Winning at Life with Gregory Ricks

Gregory shares his experience on this week's business trip, where airports are not quite back to normal, but getting better. The Job Report shows the Unemployment Rate dropped less than expected, and the contrast between states is stark.

Kudlow audio clips give us a good idea what legislation could affect your money in the short session ending this week. The current spending bill expires this week, possible coronavirus stimulus, and liability protections are all on the table.

What are your Social Security options if you're self employed, but your spouse is a regular employee? Dana in Slidell asks about her spousal options.

Neville on the Causeway asks if there's some type of fund for distressed stocks. Gregory hasn't seen an ETF or Mutual Fund labeled as such, but there are sector-specific funds that can acheive a similar result.

Wes Blanchard, the Estate Planning Attorney of the Total Wealth Authority, is seeing a lot of contested successions, and one of the common culprits is a hand written will. If you absolutely insist on doing it yourself, avoid a few common mistakes that could ruin your hand written will.

Paul in Ocean Springs has a CD that's up for renewal, but the interest rate is so low, he wants to put it somewhere he can get a higher yield.

Wayne in Slidell asks Gregory's thoughts on following the trades of CEOs

Bert in Ocean Springs wants to know the rules on how Capital Gains taxes work on a short term stock gain.

Doug in Mandeville is on Disability, and is thinking of getting a rental property. Would rental income affect his eligibility for Disability?

Bill in Slidell asks how the timeline works on Roth IRA conversions.

Robert in Thibodaux is interested in buying a $3 stock for a startup with some new technological breakthrough. He believes this company is about to take off.

May in Lacombe is concerned about her taxes going up under a new president, and asks about the proposed changes in the step-up basis on capital gains.

Mike in Convent turned on his Social Security retirement benefit after his full retirement age, and is upset his Medicare premiums are biting into his Social Security check.

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Hear women's questions about their Social Security scenario.

Dana in Slidell asks what her Social Security options will look like. She's a 1099 contracter who doesn't pay much into Social Security, but her husband does.

Frank in New Orleans calls on behalf of his mom who is currently on Social Security retirement benefits. Could she increase her benefit by switching to her now-deceased ex husband?

John in Kenner asks Gregory the best way to get in contact with his local Social Security office.

Patricia in Baton Rouge wants to know if she has to return the Social Security check seny to her dad the month after he dies.

Charlie in Van Cleave needs to start taking distributions from his TSP, and wants to know if he should roll it over to an IRA.

John in Madisonville should I cash out my TSP or roll it over to an IRA?

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Dwayne Stein of Mortgage Gumbo joins us to celebrate another record low in interest rates, and gives you the easiest trick to pay off your mortgage faster.

Can you really make money copying Warren Buffet's trading news?

Gregory reviews some new commercials for Winning at Life.

Mom and Pop businesses should be aware of different scenarios for Social Security. Is it better to have all of your income claimed by one spouse, or have the income split evenly between both spouses?

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MS Governor Tate Reeves floats a slew of new spending proposals on the cops, education, and economic stimulus, and then tops it off with eliminating the state income tax. We aren't buying any of it.

The Numbers show the markets taking a breather after the previous day's record highs. Tesla jumps on the news it is to be included on the S&P 500.

Gregory answers questions from women about their Social Security situation.

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Gregory shares his experience getting back surgery.

Loaning money to friends and family is all too often a failed experience. Here's what you should keep in mind before you give your money for a personal loan.

The Dow and S&P 500 both reach new record highs today.

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Gregory shares his experience getting back surgery, and how you need a financial cushion in case medical issues come up that aren't covered by your insurance. For emergency situations, it's good to have a financial go-bag, with some money set aside and a collection of your important financial documents.

Wes Blanchard, the Estate Planning Attorney, breaks down the Biden proposals that could change the rules of the game around your estate plan. The Estate Tax threshold could very well be lowered, and Wes has some ideas how you can arrange your assets to limit that hit.

Over a billion dollars was bet on the Election, and since the final results are hanging in the balance, that money is all sitting in limbo.

Louisiana's Estate Planning laws give you a few extra reasons to be sure you have your own estate plan. Usufruct and forced heirship are two of the biggest issues you need to address.

60 Minutes covered Operation Warp Speed, and through the blindingly partisan report is some good info to let you know this coronavirus vaccine project seems to be up to the task. There's no excuse for more economically devastating lockdowns.

The continuing story of buying into Carnival Cruise stock during the pandemic dip illustrates some great lessons about how risky single stocks can be.

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David in New Orleans was under the impression his uncle left a life insurance policy for him. How can he look that up?

The economic road ahead looks a little clearer. Hear Gregory reaction Stephanie Pomboy's predictions including that 3.5% unemployment will not return under the next administration.

National media outlets start declaring the Election 2020 winner is Biden during our show. Hear Gregory's initial reaction on how this news shapes the outlook for your money.

Jude Heath CPA joins us for an hour to talk about how your taxes could likely change under a Biden administration.

Brian in Pearl river has a new job that pays him as an independent contractor. How much should he set aside every month for taxes?

Lucy in Gulfport asks how her taxes are affected if she starts putting money in a Roth IRA.

Gregory shares more of his thoughts on the 2020 Election, and how he expects the markets to react.

Randy in Slidell asks if it's too late for him to take advantage of the relaxed rules for 401k withdrawals and loans this year.

Jack in Pascagoula asks how the spousal Social Security rules apply to his situation.

Harold in Tickfaw wants to know if he can take some stock in his IRA and move them to a Roth IRA account.

Gayle in Metairie heard the government can go into your bank account and take your money.

Robert in Metairie asks if he is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits while receiving a disability check from the VA.

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The Election 2020 update shows Biden overtaking Trump in the vote count. Wall Street loves a divided government, because gridlock equals certainty.

Voters on state-wide ballot initiatives across the country seem to overwhelmingly agree for lower taxes and legal marijuana.

How did the pollsters do? Trafalgar was closest again, and you'll hear the pre-election predicitons from both sides of the pollster divide.

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Here's what we know so far about how the election results could affect the economy, your investments, taxes, and Social Security.

What's on the ballot in Louisiana and Mississippi? Learn what financial issues are being decided in the 2020 election.

Gregory reviews the financial issues at play in the elections from sports betting to Social Security reform. What result does Gregory expect, and how will that affect your money?

Jack in Metairie wants to know if we have runaway inflation or a huge recession in our near future.

Bob in Loranger is thinking about moving his 401k to cash if Biden wins. Gregory shows how trying the time the market like that can prove to be costly.

Michael in Biloxi is concerned about Trump's re-election being dangerous for Social Security and the national debt. Gregory expects taxes to go up in the future at some point, even if it doesn't happen under Trump.