Winning at Life with Gregory Ricks

Is the economy going up, going down, or staying about the same? Gregory addresses the likelyhood of all three.

Gregory gives you 5 reasons to not worry about a stock market crash.

Keith in Van Cleave inherited an IRA and a Roth IRA from his father. What does he need to know about required distributions and taxes?

Social Security's big Cost of Living Adjustment is going to be eaten up by Medicare premium increases and monetary inflation.

Gregory announces some big changes coming to the show. The show is returning to a Saturday-only show, and James is leaving for a new opportunity.

How long can retirees expect to live once they hit 65? Gregory shares some recent data on life expectancy, and other stats that caught his eye this week.

Jack in Covington asks if there's been any change in the IRA distribution rules for those accessing fund to deal with Hurricane Ida. Jude Heath CPA joins the show and let's you know the options for tax helps from disaster relief.

Crypto regulations are coming. We don't know what the final playing board will look like, but central banks and government regulations around the world are already having an effect.

Walter in Carrier asks about his best strategies for Spousal Social Security benefits.

Medicare costs are going up, both for the taxpayers and those paying premiums.

Taxes are going up. Jude Heath and Gregory Ricks talk about what you can do about it.

If you're behind on your taxes, or if you're behind on filing previous years, call Jude and get the ball rolling. The IRS will work with you, and it's much easier if you initiate the process rather than waiting for the IRS to come find you.

Kevin in Springfield has an offer to take a monthly pension or a lump sum from his employer. Which is the better deal?

James will be leaving the show soon, and has some kind words for Gregory and the listening audience.

Bill in Pascagoula asks Gregory if there's a catch to the I Bonds. Gregory says they are a pretty good deal, but you can't put much money in them. They are capped.

The state of the economy has good news and bad news. The unemployment rate is down, but inflation is raging. Where do you go from here?

When will the Fed raise rates? Gregory makes the case for how the Fed will probably react through the next year.

William in McComb has been on disability for years, but his health has improved to the point that he wants to return to the workforce. Can he? Should he?

Cindy in Madisonville has an extra $100k leftover after buying her new house. What should she do with that money?

What the problem with having all your money in stocks?

If you're playing catch up, the contribution limits on IRAs and 401ks continues to slowly creep up. Here's what the rules say about it.

Mike in Gulfport has both options available with his employer's retirement plan: traditional 401k and Roth 401k. How much does he put in each?

Jan in Covington has two kids in their 20s with some modest savings. How can they position that to start a retirement portfolio. After a few questions, it sounds like a Roth IRA may be in order.

Ray on the Northshore wants to take Social Security at FRA and invest it instead of deferring to 70.

Chances are, you're making one of these 4 common retirement planning mistakes.

Gary in Marrero shares a positive review of his experience getting signed up on the Social Security online portal, and getting his retirement benefit activated. Go to SSA.gov

Timmy in Belle Chase has a sizable UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) account for his now-grown son. Is he going to get slammed with taxes when he decides to use that money?

The key to having a successful investment portfolio and retirement plan is the ability to use the information around you to make the right decisions.

Gregory is hosting some events for existing clients to get updated on what's going on with their money, and new features on the client portal.

Lessons from Sir Edmund Hillary: you're going to need a Sherpa if you want to get to the summit of Mt Everest.

The Wine, Wisdom, and Food experience is back! Gregory hosts a wine pairing, and a financial talk with a focus on tax planning, and a tactical element added to the Invest 50-50. 

History shows that periods of high inflation aren't necessarily catastrophic for the broader economy over a long period of time. We have a pretty good record of absorbing the pain and moving on.

Gregory opens the show by rolling through some data in the financial world that gives us an idea of how to make better decisions, and ties that into some of his family history. Lessons from Gregory's great grandfather, grandma, and mom have shaped his approach to financial planning.

Fred emails in asking if there's some way her can contribute more than $7,000 into a Roth this year.

Wesley texts in asking if his wife should be more proactive about managing the fund choices in her teachers retirement account.

Richard in Spanish Fort has a little disposable income at the end of the month. Should he put that toward retirement savings or accelerate his mortgage payments?

Gregory walks through historic stats from the markets, and the markets are overwhelmingly positive over a long time horizon. The problem is the down years.

Chuck in Mandeville: are I-Series Savings Bonds worth it?

EB in Gulfport asks about using Universal Indexed Life Insurance as an investment vehicle.

Tony in Diamondhead asks about using his Whole Life Insurance policy for a tax free income stream.

Gregory had a great time at the recent Wine, Wisdom, and Food event, and answers some comment cards with questions from attendees.

Ted on the Northshore wants to do something with his old 401k, and thinks a bear market is imminent.

Elliot in Covington asks for guidance as an investor in his 40s.

Rick in Houma's wife is a 75 year old teacher. Will she have her Social Security cut by the Windfall Elimination Provision if she retires and starts her teacher's pension?

Alex on the Northshore has company stock from a previous employer with some some weird rules, and he wants to get out. 

Lisa in Ocean Springs is leaving her job. What should she do with her old 401k?

Steve in Houma asks if the Backdoor Roth IRA is still a thing.

David in Pontchatoula asks about investing in gold and silver with his IRA.

Trey in New Orleans asks about using a trust to shield assets from Medicaid. Wes and Gregory are not fans of his idea.

Estate Planning Attorney Wes Blanchard joins the show. Do you know what it takes to be an executor of someone's estate? Here's a checklist to help you decide who your executor should be, or if you should be an executor for others.

What do you want your retirement to look like? If you're goal is to live on the beach, or in the mountains, or by the grandkids, how are you going to get to your destination?

Jason in Loranger is inheriting stock. How does he handle the taxes for that?

Kenneth in Ocean Springs: Do the Income Tests go away for Social Security once you reach Full Retirement Age?

Chuck in Mandeville asks if there's any countries that balance their budget and live within their means.

David in Pontchatoula asks about investing in gold and silver with his IRA.

Estate Planning Attorney Wes Blanchard joins the show. Do you know what it takes to be an executor of someone's estate? Here's a checklist to help you decide who your executor should be, or if you should be an executor for others.

Trey in New Orleans asks about using a trust to shield assets from Medicaid. Wes and Gregory are not fans of his idea.

What do you want your retirement to look like? If you're goal is to live on the beach, or in the mountains, or by the grandkids, how are you going to get to your destination?

Gregory compares the economies of China and the United States with a few sharp statistics.

The Wine, Wisdom, and Food experience is back! Gregory hosts a wine pairing, and a financial talk with a focus on tax planning, and a tactical element added to the Invest 50-50. 

If you're thinking about turning on Social Security early, Gregory warns you of the bad excuses for not waiting for your Full Retirement Age.