Plan For Life Now

Dave and Steve start off the year by looking back at 2021 and looking forward into 2022. How much did the stock market gain in 2021 and how much growth are pundits predicting in 2022? More importantly, how do the long term projections affect how you should plan for your own retirement. Listen now to find out!

In this episode Dave and Steve discuss a topic that is near and dear to all of us; how can we (legally) minimize the taxes we pay. First they explain the analysis behind the decision to convert to a Roth IRA (8:23). Next they discuss how it might make sense to realize capital gains now rather than in the future when capital gains taxes might rise (23:03). Lastly, they discuss the use of life insurance and how it can be structured as a very tax efficient asset (24:42).

The most recent inflation data shows that prices have increased at 6.2% over the past year. This is the highest inflation reading since the early 90s. Will we continue to face high inflation for years to come? Listen to Dave and Steve discuss the future of inflation and how to position your portfolio going forward.

In today’s modern media world of Facebook and Twitter, we’ve all witnessed “outrage marketing”, even if we don’t know the term. These are the articles designed to elicit an emotional response, either positive or negative. In this month’s episode, Dave and Steve discuss “outrage marketing” in the world of personal finance. How can this type of marketing bias your portfolio and how you invest?

In this month’s episode Dave and Steve discuss 10 things that might or might not happen in the future according to Wharton’s Jeremy Siegel. Will inflation continue to rise? Will taxes increase? What will happen to bond yields? Will tax rates be higher? Will value outperform growth? Tune in to find out!

In today's world of instant gratification and same day delivery, the idea of slow and steady growth seems boring. In this episode Dave and Steve discuss why diversification isn't exciting, but it works. Check out the latest podcast to find out how to avoid getting sucked in to the hopes of 10x returns and why slow and steady wins the race!

Dave and Steve get back together for an in person podcast for the first time since the start of the pandemic to discuss the question on everyone’s minds. Is inflation here to stay? The popular opinion says that the unprecedented levels of government spending will lead to big inflation numbers in the next few years. But many prominent economists feel that the inflation we are witnessing right now is just a temporary result of pent up demand. Find out what it all means for your portfolio and how to prepare regardless of who is right!

After taking off the month of May (whoops!) Dave and Steve are back to discuss the five big money risks in retirement. What can happen when you take big withdrawals too early in retirement? Or what if you underestimate the risk of inflation? Find out all about these risks (and more) by listening to the latest episode!

In this month’s installment Dave and Steve discuss the future of meetings in the post COVID-19 world. How many people will want to meet in person and how many people will continue to meet virtually? After a brief discussion of the current housing market, Dave and Steve wonder about the future of a 60/40 portfolio. Will this portfolio still offer investors a solid risk adjusted return in the future? Or is it time to re-think a balanced portfolio?

Dave and Steve mark the one year anniversary from the bottom of the stock market’s COVID decline. How far has the market recovered since the March 23rd, 2020 low? They look back on the feelings we all had and the actions that many of us took (or didn’t take) in our portfolios. What would you have done differently? And how can the lessons of the last year help you prepare for next time?

Dave and Steve help listeners make sense over the recent decline in stocks and rapid rise in interest rates. What does it all mean? Why would rising interest rates be bad news for stocks? Is it normal for high growth stocks to be declining so much? Tune in to find out!

Dave and Steve mark one year of socially distanced podcasts by discussing the average 401k balance for Americans broken down by age. Find out how you compare to the rest of the country. After that they wade in to the age old discussion of growth versus value investing. Growth stocks have dominated value for most of the last decade. Will this outperformance continue or is it time for value to shine?

In this month’s episode Dave and Steve start off by discussing the GameStop stock saga. If you haven’t heard about it (or don’t understand it), be sure to check it out. With that out of the way, Steve breaks down the biggest financial planning moves that can save you money. Find out about how Roth conversions, Medicare premiums, HSAs and interest taxation can effect your plan!

As 2020 draws to a close, Dave and Steve look ahead to what 2021 might hold in store. They examine predictions from both bullish and bearish market analysts. Is there any value to listening to these talking heads? Does this change how we position our portfolios?

Dave and Steve take a look at how conventional wisdom so often fails when it comes to the stock market. Whether it was the housing crisis or the Coronavirus crisis, we can look back at how the experts got it wrong. How can you prevent yourself from falling into the trap of the iron clad argument that ends up being dead wrong?

With the US presidential election only days away, Dave and Steve examine a question that we have all pondered. Who is better for the stock market, Democrats or Republicans? The more important question: Should you take any action and change your portfolio? The answers might surprise you!

In this month’s podcast Dave and Steve discuss a variety of topics. In 2020 there has been a dramatic rise in small investors placing risky bets in the stock market. Has the lack of sports gambling lead to a rise in stock market gambling? Next up they discuss the prospects for inflation going forward and what we can learn from the past. Last but not least, they discuss the ever present investment scam artist. How do these crooks pray on our fears to part us with our money?

In the latest episode Dave and Steve find out how well you know Social Security. See if you can beat Dave in this 12 question quiz about the ins and outs of the single largest retirement income source for most Americans.

In this month’s episode Dave and Steve discuss the impact of low interest rates on your savings. Also, they look at Goldman Sachs’ prediction for the stock market over the next 10 years. How would these projected returns effect your retirement?

In their continuation of social distancing podcasts, Dave and Steve tackle a big question: When should you sell stocks? A simple question with many complicated answers. In addition, Dave discusses the plans for a Capitol Retirement Strategies newsletter. Listen now to hear all the details!