Ep 3: This is Why You Never Assume in Retirement

In today’s financial landscape, the market has been hitting new highs and interest rates remain at elevated levels. You might have even heard some of the buzz surrounding the Federal Reserve and interest rate adjustments. We’re here to bring some clarity to the question on many investors’ minds: What does all of this mean for my investments and retirement plans? Is all of this exciting or cause for concern?

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:20 – Understanding S&P 500 + Recent Market Highs

7:36 – Impact of Economic Indicators on Market Performance

9:56 – Analyzing Historical Returns + Being Cautious of Market Noise

15:12 – Market Performance Impact on Your Retirement

19:40 – Understanding the Federal Funds Rate

25:18 – Interest Rates Impact on Your Retirement

32:06 – Listener Question: Financial Indecision

 

 

Resources for this episode:

JP Morgan Chart – Investing during all time highs

https://www.jpmorgan.com/content/dam/jpm/securities/documents/cwm-documents/Is-it-worth-considering-investing-at-all-time-highs.pdf

Additional Information

https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2024/01/new-all-time-highs-after-a-bear-market/

https://ofdollarsanddata.com/should-you-invest-in-stocks-at-all-time-highs/

 

Interest Rates

USA Today Article - https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/01/31/january-federal-reserve-meeting-live-updates/72409059007/

Nasdaq.com article - https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/wall-street-banks-readjusts-2024-interest-rate-predictions-after-feds-dovish-turn

Bankrate – Biggest Winners & Losers - https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/fed-interest-rate-decision-biggest-winners/

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/federalfundsrate.asp

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the retirement hazard zone. This is the 10 years leading up to retirement and the first decade of retirement itself. Listen in Scott compares this period to driving through a construction zone, focusing on the need to slow down, think differently, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Before we jump in, Scott will discuss the top 5 financial scams targeting retirees and pre-retirees and share some essential tips to help you avoid financial fraud.

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

0:58 – Scams targeting older adults + prevention

14:50 – Thinking differently in retirement

19:00 – Preparing for the unexpected

21:56 – Slowing down

25:39 – Listener question on Social Security

 

NCOA Article on Scams

https://www.ncoa.org/article/top-5-financial-scams-targeting-older-adults

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

Are you considering maxing out your 401(k) but unsure what to do next? We face this question all the time at the Sierens Financial Group so today we’ll explore if it’s wise to max out your 401(k) before investing anywhere else.

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:44 – What’s on today’s show

4:33 – What’s in the news right now? Spot Bitcoin was just approved by the SEC.

8:40 – What should you know about Spot Bitcoin?

10:50 – An 85-year study from Harvard reveals the one simple element that is the key to happiness.

14:26 – Should you max out your 401(k) first, or consider other options before contributing the max?

16:13 – Reasons you might want to max out your 401(k).

19:23 – Reasons you might NOT want to max out your 401(k).

23:08 – Exploring your options and how taxes play a role.

27:00 – Jacob’s question: Should you start Social Security at 67 if you’re still working?

 

References for this episode:

1. https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/gensler-statement-spot-bitcoin-011023
2. https://scoop.upworthy.com/harvards-85-year-study-reveals-the-number-one-key-to-happiness?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/personalfinance

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

In today’s show, we’re going to share some crucial changes and strategies that will help you navigate your financial landscape in 2024. Scott will break down the latest adjustments you need to be aware of, from increased standard deductions to updates in Social Security and Medicare. We’ll also share some strategic tips and tactics to position your tax and retirement plans for success in the coming year. 

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

3:52 – What’s new in 2024?

12:01 – Is your money in the right bucket?

16:30 - Starting HSA contributions

17:34 – Reviewing your investments

19:45 - Considering QCDs

20:35 - Reevaluating tax withholdings

22:32 - Automation

24:31 - Get a plan in place

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

We’re sharing this month’s mailbag episode a bit early, but we have 3 great listener questions lined up for today’s show! Miyuki asks if Scott can explain more about tax harvesting and how to take advantage of a stock loss. Lauren asks about the tax consequences of withdrawing from the Roth side of her 401(k) after 2023. Click play to see what you can learn!

 

Here are the questions we discuss in this episode:

• Can you explain more about tax harvesting? I sold two individual stocks last month. Both are a loss, but I don’t know how I can take advantage of this loss.
• I was just laid off. I am past full retirement age and the Roth side of my 401k hits 5 years on the 1^st of 2024. Can I withdrawal from the Roth 401K side without tax consequences after 2023?
• The 401k plan has pre-tax and post-tax (Roth). Is withholding required on post-tax Roth 401k money?

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

From 24/7 TV channels dedicated to economic news to artificial intelligence, have the advancements in technology made you a financial guru or just more confused? Today, we’ll explore how technology is reshaping financial planning, for better and for worse.

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Google is a powerful tool for immediate information, but it’s important to use it with caution
• Online financial calculators are handy when used properly, but what if your inputs are wrong?
• Understanding the biases and goals of the media you’re consuming is important
• Preparing your retirement portfolio for longer lifespans as technology continues to advance

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

In a world where technology has placed instant gratification at our fingertips, it can be hard to make financial sacrifices when the reward might not be seen until several years in the future. Today we’ll talk about some of the situations where you might be inclined to take the immediate benefit, when you should really consider the delayed rewards…

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Passing up a 401K match
• Saving only in tax-deferred accounts
• Claiming Social Security at age 62
• Skipping out on regular health check-ups and preventative care

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

It’s the last week of the month, so you know what that means! We’re back with a new mailbag episode. We’ve got some great listener questions lined up for you today, so stick around to see what responses and strategies might apply to your situation and help improve your financial picture.

 

Here are the questions we answer in this episode:

• I retired last month and started my state pension and Social Security. I’d like to do some part-time work, but I’ve heard that this can mess up my Social Security. Should I avoid getting a job?
• I just started a new job, and my base salary is low enough that it would be hard to contribute to a 401k and still pay my bills. Is it okay to just use my commissions for retirement savings?
• My company makes contributions to my 401k, but they’ll only do it in the form of company stock. I’ve just been selling it immediately and then investing in something else. Any reason I shouldn’t be doing that?

 

Check out episode 124 here!

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

 

Are we on the brink of a retirement renaissance or stormy seas ahead? In this episode, we jump into the pressing issues of Social Security, taxes, and the stock market. Whether you're an eternal optimist or cautious pessimist, this episode will equip you with perspectives to plan your retirement years with confidence as we ask the longstanding question, “is the glass half full or half empty.”

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The future stability of the Social Security system + what this means for you
• Navigating tax code changes and implementing strategic tax planning
• Recognizing short-term volatility as normal, focusing on long-term positive trends, and developing an emotion-free investment strategy

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ 

 

The retirement planning world is filled with plenty of advice and suggestions, but there are critical questions lurking in the shadows – the unasked, the overlooked. These are the questions that can help define the comfort and security of your retirement future. In this episode, we unearth and tackle these essential questions about retirement.

Listen in as Scott sheds light on the potential coverage gaps and costs that might catch retirees off guard when it comes to Medicare. He also explores the impact of where you choose to live in retirement, delving into state taxes, cost of living, and other financial considerations, and talks about planning for the care of elderly parents.

Stick around to make sure that these 3 overlooked planning topics aren’t costing you time, energy and money in your golden years!

 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The medical coverage you might need over and above Medicare
• Where you choose to live during retirement can significantly impact your financial situation- considering state taxes, cost of living, and other regional factors
• What considerations should be made when planning for the time and financial commitments of caring for elderly parents during retirement?

 

Want to get in touch?

Web: https://sierensfinancialgroup.com/

Email: office@sierensfinancialgroup.com

Phone: 847-235-6989

Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://lifemoneyshow.com 

Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhQ-u12d60Z0HNCwwVubdQ