Money Wisdom

Aug 16/2022

Retirement is a milestone that many of us look forward to, but it comes with its own set of uncertainties. How do we plan for a future when we don't know how long we'll live, what the stock market will do, or the political landscape that will shape tax laws? The latest episode of the[...]
In the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, hosts John Stillman and Jake Doser, CFP®, serve up a delicious 'acronym salad'—a mix of financial terms that often leave even the savviest investors scratching their heads. If you’ve ever stopped to think about what an acronym meant, this episode will help clear up some of[...]
Have you ever wondered how becoming a grandparent might change your perspective on money and legacy? The latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast features Joel Johnson, CFP, who has recently become a grandfather for the second time. His insights into the financial planning world, coupled with his new role in the family, provide a[...]
Have you ever chuckled at the antics of Michael Scott on 'The Office' and thought, "What does this have to do with my financial future?" Well, it turns out, quite a bit! On the latest episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, hosts John Stillman and Matt Pastor, a Retirement Income Certified Professional on our team,[...]
We’re in the middle of another election year in our country and regardless of your politics, there’s always a little concern over the uncertainty of who will take office and how will markets react. People ask all the time about the impact election years have on investing and whether they should be looking to make[...]
The bond market is often touted as a haven for investors seeking stability and safety. Yet, as with any investment, it is fraught with nuances that can make the difference between a secure addition to one's portfolio and one with unexpected downside. To help provide clarity on bonds and how they play into an investment[...]
Financial planning for retirement is a crucial process that requires a strategic approach to ensure long-term security. All too often, however, people will get in their own way and make mistakes that were completely avoidable. In this week’s podcast, we’re going to talk about the most common examples of this with the guidance of Eric[...]
We’re in the middle of tax season and many people are still getting their paperwork together and wondering about ways to save money on last year’s taxes. The good news is there are ways to potentially save on your taxes even though we’re in a new year, and today we’re going to talk about how[...]
When you find yourself amidst a career transition, be it by choice or circumstance, the path forward can seem fraught with financial uncertainty and healthcare coverage concerns. It's a time when the right advice can make a world of difference, which is why we brought Jake Dozer, CFP® onto the podcast to help navigate this[...]
There were a lot of things that were different back then, for maybe past generations, than they are for people retiring today. So we're going to talk about how things are different now than they used to be. Gone are the days when retirees could rely solely on pensions and Social Security. Today, proactive planning[...]
We have a very timely conversation today as tax season is upon us once again and getting organized is top of mind. Either you're really happy with yourself because you already got your tax return done and filed and don't have to worry about it anymore, or you're still collecting documents and just worrying about[...]
As market uncertainty looms, the question that plagues every investor's mind is when to overhaul their investment portfolio. The upcoming year looks like it could be filled with volatility once again, so how should your investments be positioned? In our latest podcast, we featured Matt Pastor, RICP to discuss investment strategies and unpack the critical[...]
Planning for a fulfilling retirement is a significant life milestone, representing the culmination of years of hard work and the dawn of a new, exciting chapter. But retirement planning goes beyond just financial security. It is a holistic process that also involves emotional well-being, nurturing social connections, and the pursuit of purpose. In our latest[...]
We’ve all opened up a statement and seen the retirement income that’s projected from that account. Not every account has it but most do. The question is how much can you trust that number and can you base a retirement plan on what you see? Retirement planning can be a daunting task, with numerous variables[...]
As women approach retirement age, it's crucial to understand the nuances of Social Security and its impact on long-term financial health. On our latest podcast featuring Heather Atkins, CFP®, CRPC® we will shed some light on this topic, focusing on why women tend to claim Social Security benefits at 62 and the implications of such[...]
When it comes to retirement, understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and staying ahead of them is important for financial success in retirement. In our latest podcast, Matt Pastor, RICP explains the intricacies of RMDs and sheds light on why early planning is essential. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How RMDs have[...]
Believe it or not, we still get a lot of questions about pensions. Just because there aren’t many private companies that are still offering pensions, there are still many people that had them at a job 20 years ago and they have a choice to make or they are retiring from a state employee job.[...]
Let’s talk a little bit about a fun topic that we haven’t covered on the podcast much in the past, which is buying cars. Pretty much everyone has a driver’s license and uses a car so it’s a topic that impacts most people. More importantly, buying a car is a large financial decision and making[...]
When it comes to investing, one of the most common concerns is how to achieve 'reasonable returns,' particularly as retirement approaches. The term 'reasonable' can be quite subjective and varies greatly from person to person. It's influenced by individual risk tolerance, financial goals, and the stage of life you're in. In the recent podcast episode[...]
Picking from a lunch menu will often give you the option to choose two items from a group. You might pick soup and a sandwich or a salad and a sandwich, but you just can’t select everything off the menu. That’s very similar to the investment world when you’re choosing between safety, growth, and liquidity.[...]
If you ask most people, they will tell you they’re excited for the day they can leave work and head into retirement. And while that’s a valid feeling, many of those same people aren’t prepared for life after a career that’s been at the core of their daily routine for decades. Whether you’re selling a[...]
You’ve probably heard about reverse mortgages and might even be considering one in retirement. It’s not a question we get all the time but it’s one where somebody is seriously considering it by the time they ask us to weigh in on it. In this episode of the podcast, Jake Doser, CFP® helps us better[...]
Part of managing your finances and making the best decisions for retirement is understanding how to best utilize the assets you have in your possession. One of the largest accounts most people have is their 401k and it’s impossible to ignore if you need to make larger purchases. But is it a bad idea to[...]
We’re with Matt Pastor, a financial advisor on our team, to talk about life insurance and the need for it in retirement. Once you’ve earned enough to take care of your family and the kids are through college, do you still need to carry that policy? This is a great question and the answer will[...]
Those final years leading up to retirement can be an incredibly exciting time but they can also stir up a little nervous energy. Have you done everything you need to? What should you be thinking about right now? In our latest podcast, we talked with Eric Hogarth, CFP® about the five years before retirement and[...]
A question that many investors ask is whether they should be investing in ETFs or mutual funds. It’s a legitimate question because a lot of people don’t truly understand the difference between the two. In our latest podcast, we want to address the technical part of this question but do so with a less technical[...]
The concept of financial legacy means different things to different people. Some people might hear that and think about their will or estate documents, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. This conversation will be a little bigger picture and a bit more philosophical. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:[...]
Today we’re going to talk about how to handle the taxation on stock that isn’t in an IRA and gets inherited. For example, let’s say someone bought 100 shares of Apple stock in 1987 and they leave it to their kids when they pass away. How are you taxed on this stock? To help us[...]
Today we’re going to answer one of the two or three biggest questions that people tend to have about their retirement plan. As you look ahead to retirement and the largest expenses you might incur, long-term care will always be a part of that discussion. So does everyone need long-term care insurance? This can be[...]
The question we hope to answer today is does everyone need a trust? It seems that many people confuse the purpose of a will and a trust, but they aren’t the same thing and we’ll clarify that. Plus we’ll tell you who needs a trust and what the primary purpose of using this instead of[...]
When the market gets choppy and investors start to feel uneasy, it’s not uncommon to get questions about whether it’s a good time to buy gold or silver. Over time, there are different reasons that people would give for wanting to invest in precious metals, but should you be buying gold? Eric Hogarth, CFP® joins[...]
The topic of Social Security comes up all the time in our office, especially when it comes to its future. Is it heading towards bankruptcy as some suggest, or is this an alarmist notion blown out of proportion? To answer these questions and more, Certified Financial Planner® Heath Grossman joined the podcast to offer his[...]
The world of Social Security benefits can be complex, particularly when it comes to understanding the taxation associated with these benefits. In this episode, we’re going to tell you how we’d get to the answer and give you a better idea of how much taxation will impact your benefits in retirement. Here’s what you can[...]
We want to be as efficient as possible with our retirement accounts to give us the best chance to grow our money and provide the income we need for retirement. That’s why many people ask about rollovers and whether it makes sense to do that with their 401k. Let’s talk about who might and might[...]
Most people are familiar with target date funds, although they might not necessarily know them by that name. Your 401k plan might have a different name for it like a lifecycle fund, but regardless of what it’s called, it continues to be a popular investment choice. Let’s talk today about whether target date funds are[...]
In the fast-paced world we live in today, financial planning has never been more critical. It plays a significant role in helping us manage our resources, meet our financial goals, and secure our future. This importance becomes even more apparent when it comes to women, given their longer life expectancy and unique financial challenges. That’s[...]
Do you think there is a universal age to start Social Security? Have you ever wondered how your health history, longevity, and family history play into your decision on when to turn on your benefits? Let’s delve into this critical question in retirement and help you understand how we help our clients determine what age[...]
We’re in the middle of one of the largest wealth transfers in our country’s history as Baby Boomers pass on their estate to loved ones, and some of that money is coming in the form of an IRA. Rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the past few years so let’s take a few minutes[...]
Many people will use retirement accounts like the 401(k) to save money, but we often get asked about the amount they should be contributing each month. Should it depend on what your company matches or should you just put as much as you can afford in regardless? Let’s dig deeper into this question and tell[...]
When we talk about having a strategy for Social Security, it’s because the SSA isn’t going to point you toward the option that will pay you the most. It’s on every individual to understand the benefit options available and find the path that will help you get the most out of your retirement income. One[...]
Anytime a sentence begins with, “Well I heard,” it gets our attention because you never know what someone is about to ask us. People are bombarded by suggestions and recommendations every day so it’s no surprise that people always bring new ideas or beliefs to a meeting. We’re going to share some of these things[...]
Housing will always be one of the biggest pieces of the financial plan, but we’re getting a lot of questions from retirees about what to do with their home now that they’ve retired. There are four main options that most people choose from so let’s explore those today and discuss the pros and cons of[...]
One of the most popular shows of the last few years has been Ted Lasso with Jason Sudeikis playing that heartwarming coaching role, and most people have watched some or all of the comedy series. Today we’re going to pull out some of our favorite Ted Lasso quotes and put a financial spin on them.[...]
To celebrate another Father’s Day weekend, we decided to work in some dad jokes into the podcast. Who doesn’t love those, right? So join us for a few laughs (we hope) and more importantly, some financial wisdom. Here are some of the things we discuss in this episode: 1:01 – Joke #1: Where does[...]
Part of being a good financial advisor is helping people navigate what can be awkward and uncomfortable situations in life related to their money. After working with hundreds of clients over the years, we’ve encountered quite a few of these situations. So how do we approach these moments? Let’s talk about what that looks like[...]
So much about life is having the right perspective and the same can be said about the scenarios that feel like a true crisis. Through proper retirement planning, many of the events that feel like a negative in your life could actually provide you with an opportunity instead. Today we’re going to look at a[...]
For many people, the 401(k) is an easy account to manage. The money comes out of your paycheck before you get the chance to spend it so it’s like you never had it in the first place. That makes it a great tool for retirement savings but because it’s so painless, people often ignore it[...]
Today we’re going to talk through some hot topics, picking through recent communication with clients over the last several months. There are some recurring themes that a lot of people are asking about right now so let’s take some time to address them all right here on the show. Here are some of the[...]
In honor of the NFL Draft just wrapping up, we thought we’d do a little drafting of our own on the podcast. So we’ve asked Eric Hogarth, CFP® to put on his General Manager shoes and lead our retirement planning team into a financial draft. Find out which products make the grade and which get[...]
We know you count on your financial advisor to shoot you straight and tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. That’s what we’re going to do on this episode as Eric drops a few financial truth bombs on us and provides us with a retirement reality check. [...]
Periodic reviews with certain clients can look very different from reviews with others. We’ve worked with just about every type of personality through the years so let’s talk about how our conversations might sound depending on who we’re meeting with for a review. Here are some of the things we discuss in this episode:[...]
Like anything else in life, financial planning is much easier to do in hindsight. We all have a few (or more) decisions we’d like to go back and change if we could. Let’s talk about a few of the regrets people are probably coming to terms with today. Here are some of the things[...]
Money and finances can be difficult topics to discuss, but it is an essential conversation that needs to take place with children. With the proper guidance, your child will learn key lessons about money management and develop healthy financial habits. In this episode, Joel will share his family's approach to helping his children learn about[...]
Different stages of life bring different challenges, and people nearing retirement often make some of the same mistakes with their money time and time again. As a pre-retiree, it's important to understand that your financial plan needs to be tailored around the goals you have for retirement. Let’s take a look at some of the[...]
In nearly all of the retail, restaurant and hospitality world, the old saying is that “the customer is always right.” But when it comes to financial planning, it’s probably not wise to subscribe to that idea. What’s the point of having a financial coach if your advice is better than your coach’s advice? Let’s talk[...]
A lot of people were probably pretty well prepared for the downturn in 2022, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any uneasiness along the way. If you didn’t fall into that group of people who were ready, let’s talk about what you can do to change that before the next downturn. Here are some[...]
When it comes to money, people often make excuses for why they can't save or spend wisely. It's easy to make up a story about why you aren't able to do enough from a financial planning standpoint, but our attitudes often impact our success with money and in life. Let's look at some of the[...]
As we move a little further away from 2022, we start to get a little more information and data on what a very weird year it turned out to be. So many different factors played into the negative results we saw in the market, and we watched people handle that volatile year in a variety[...]
While it’s said that genius is a natural and innate ability, there are certain traits or habits possessed by geniuses that we can learn from. These qualities, when applied to financial planning, can help you make the most of your money while protecting yourself from future economic uncertainties. Here are a few of the[...]
Secure Act 2.0 is the most recent amendment to the Secure Act of 2019, and it promises to have a major impact on retirement planning. This new legislation contains a long list of provisions and changes, but we've identified a short list that will impact many people preparing for retirement. In this episode, we'll take[...]
Is the end of social security near? Evidence suggests that, while it is not likely to disappear soon, its long-term outlook is uncertain. Social security benefits have been decreasing over time and are inadequately funded. So what will the future hold for this important piece of retirement income? We'll address that along with two questions[...]
Retirement brings with it an exciting time of life, but also the challenge of figuring out how to make ends meet in retirement. Retirement income is an important factor in planning for retirement and there are many options available to ensure that retirees have the funds they need. From Social Security, pensions, and lump sums,[...]
Investing your money can be a scary thing, especially when you don't feel like you have a good handle on the terminology and concepts. Many people turn to financial advisors to help guide them through their investments, but it's important to make sure that they are actually helping rather than hurting. Let's talk about a[...]
The financial world is full of complexities, and it can be hard to keep up with all the nuances. However, there are some aspects that are often overlooked or underrated in terms of their importance. Here we will discuss three things that should be appreciated more in the financial world. Here are a few of[...]
When it comes to financial strategies, there are three that might not be as advantageous as you might think: tax advantages, rates of return, and commission-based investment accounts. In this episode of the podcast, Eric Hogarth, CFP® will explain why. Here are a few of the things we discuss in this episode: 1:51 –[...]
On today’s episode, we’ll dive into the mailbag to answer a few financial questions that we’ve been asked recently. The topics we’ll tackle today are what to do with old IRAs, rolling over retirement accounts, and Social Security benefits for ex-spouses. If you’ve been curious about any of these financial planning items, then you’ll want[...]
Let’s take a little different approach to the financial discussion today and look at how the seven deadly sins can apply to your planning. Not only should you be avoiding these sins in your personal life but also in a financial context as well. Here’s are the seven sins we discuss in this episode:[...]
We often only deal with an inheritance a few times during our lifetime, so it's little surprise that we get questions about receiving and leaving an inheritance. In this episode, Eric Hogarth, CFP® will address the major inheritance questions that are out and highlight some of the mistakes that are commonly made. Here’s what[...]
The start of a new year always provides a chance for reflection and opportunity to reset goals for the next 12 months. Today’s episode will do both of those things as Eric highlights the biggest financial takeaways from a volatile 2022 and lays out a checklist of action items for 2023. Here’s what we[...]
When you think about financial planning, you might not realize that your childhood can have a big impact on your current finances. Eric Hogarth, CFP®, explains how our upbringing can influence our money decisions later in life. Understanding these money triggers can help us make more conscious choices about our spending and saving. Join us[...]
Providing answers to your financial questions is one of the things we enjoy doing most each day and our podcast provides a great outlet for that to happen. On this episode, we’re going to take four questions on RMDs, savings, planning mistakes, and whether ETFs or mutual funds are the better investment. Here’s what[...]
Are you ready to retire? Many people aren't sure if they are ready to leave their careers behind. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why people may not be ready to retire. We will also provide tips on how to overcome these challenges and make the transition to retirement easier.[...]
In times like these when the stock market is tumbling over an extended period of time, we often get calls and questions from people about what they’re most concerned about. It’s natural to be worried or fearful when account values are dropping, but that’s a time when you can lean on your advisor. Let’s talk[...]
We’re right in the middle of football season and many people are spending lots of time on the weekend following their favorite team. Since it’s fresh in our minds, let’s see if we can’t get a little financial value out of what we’re watching. On this show, we’re going to take some strategies from the[...]
Most people think of their home as their largest asset. But for retirees, that may not be the case. In fact, your retirement savings may be your biggest asset. And it's important to manage those assets carefully in order to ensure a comfortable retirement. In this episode, we will discuss some tips for managing your[...]
The humor of Jerry Seinfeld has held up extremely well over time and reading through some of his quotes always provides a good laugh. Today we’re going to take some of the more notable quotes and apply them to financial planning. Your first reaction might be to say, ‘What’s the deal with that?’, but we[...]
Financial planning is one of the most important aspects of life. If you don't have your finances in order, it can be very difficult to achieve your goals. That's why it's important to ask questions when you’re unsure about something. On this podcast, we will answer three great questions about investing, supporting grandchildren, and Social[...]
Do you find yourself struggling to save money? Do you feel like you are constantly at war with your finances? If so, you are not alone. A lot of people have a hard time managing their money because they let mental blocks get in the way. In this podcast, we will discuss some of the[...]
Your financial advisor should be there to provide you with the necessary information, guidance, and support to help you towards your retirement goals, and that means having tough conversations from time to time. On this episode, we’ll tell you about a few of the difficult discussions we need to have in order to build the[...]
It’s easy for someone to take flying for granted but so much is happening behind the scenes to ensure a safe arrival to the destination. Much of the same can be said about financial planning as well. Today we’ll explore a few of the similarities between flying and retirement planning. Read more and get additional[...]
We all intend to be great investors but things often don’t go as planned. If you look at some of the worst investors out there, you’ll start to find some recurring traits and some mistakes that show up a lot. Hopefully you aren’t guilty of any of the ones we talk about on this episode.[...]
Retirees will come across all types of scenarios that can impact their finances, and we tackled a few of those on our latest podcast. Eric Hogarth, CFP®, will take a few questions from the mailbag today that touch on Social Security, combining finances later in life, and annuities. Read more and get additional financial[...]
The popular Aesop fables have been told for centuries as a way to teach important lessons. Many of those can be applied to our financial lives as well. Today we’ll take a couple that you might know and explain what they teach us about money. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com [...]
It’s time once again to open up the mailbag and get to as many of your questions as we can on this week’s episode of the podcast. We will touch on some great topics today like paying for home renovations, life insurance policies, and college funding options. Today's show rundown: 0:22 – Mailbag question on[...]
Today we’re clearing up some common beliefs about retirement and financial planning that just aren’t as true as you think. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com What we discuss in this episode: 2:05 – Shifting from stocks to bonds removes volatility 3:25 – Life insurance is no longer necessary in retirement[...]
It’s time to open up the mailbag once again and answer the questions that are on your mind. Today’s episode will cover pension payments, paying off debt with retirement money, legacy planning, and changing financial advisors. What we discuss in this episode: 0:24 – Mailbag question on pension payments 3:06 – Mailbag question on[...]
While financial planning is crucial for people at all stages of their life, that final decade of your working career requires extra attention. This will be your chance to really drill down on where you stand and determine how to get where you want to go. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com [...]
The fortune cookie is a nice touch at the end of a good meal but how much value do you place on the words inside? Today we’re going to crack open some fortunes and find out what wisdom we can gain for our own financial plan. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com [...]
Let’s say you’ve walked away from your job and started living life in retirement with your Social Security benefits, but a job offer that was too good to refuse suddenly showed up. How will this impact the benefits you’ve already claimed? We’ll tackle that question on the podcast today plus others on retirement withdrawals and[...]
Many times the worst mistake you can make is to not make a decision at all. That happens quite a bit with people, especially as it relates to money, so let’s talk about the reasons why people fail to make a choice and what you can do to overcome the inaction. Read more and[...]
No matter how you define a recession, it’s time to take at your plan and see what actions might be needed. We’re getting questions about that like the one we’re going to address today. Plus, we’ll answer a question about childcare expenses and investing strategies. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com [...]
Today is part two of our conversation with Heather Atkins, CFP®, CRPC®, to talk about women in our industry. She’s someone who has been a key part of our team and we wanted to spend some time understanding the challenges women face, why there aren’t more women in this profession, and what she believes makes[...]
We’re excited to welcome on one of our advisors today, Heather Atkins, CFP®, CRPC®, to talk about women in our industry. She’s someone who has been a key part of our team and we wanted to spend some time understanding the challenges women face, why there aren’t more women in this profession, and what she[...]
Each person views retirement through their own lens and creates their own definition of what financial security means. No matter how you view it, our goal is to help you build a retirement plan that helps you achieve the peace of mind you hope for. Let’s explore some of the ways we see people define[...]
No one is prepared to receive a medical diagnosis that someone close to you doesn’t have much longer to live, but it’s a reality some people have to face. Trying to manage the financial side of this extremely emotional situation can be a great challenge. Today we’ll talk about what factors to consider and how[...]
Conventional wisdom can act as a great guide of us in life but that doesn’t mean that we can’t question commonly held beliefs. Today we’ll explore the conventional wisdom found in the financial world and explain why it doesn’t always align with where you need to go. Read more and get additional financial resources:[...]
We’re opening up the mailbag today and tackling three questions from listeners. If you’re thinking about changing jobs later in your career, a small business owner, or just worried about the state of the market, then this show will hopefully touch on something you’ve been thinking about. Read more and get additional financial resources:[...]
The great thing about facts is they remain to be facts even if you don’t wish to acknowledge them as such. Turning a blind eye away from the facts of retirement won’t make these truths disappear. It’s time to face them head-on and talk about what we can do to best prepare ourselves. Read[...]
We might all be different when it comes to money, but there are certain things that we can all relate to. Let’s look at the areas of financial planning that we are all familiar with and discuss where people often go wrong. Read more and get additional financial resources: http://johnsonbrunetti.com What we discuss[...]
You might have heard already that financial planning changes as you head into retirement and your goals shift, but does that mean you should get out of the market and move to cash? We’ll answer that question along with two others that came into the show recently. Read more and get additional financial resources:[...]

Listen to Johnson Brunetti’s Money Wisdom with Joel Johnson CFP’, host of Better Money Television program and Forbes Contributor. Gain true financial wisdom and advice aimed at educating you about all of your financial options when it comes to retirement so you can make the best decisions for you and your family. Get information and education that can bring you peace of mind with your savings and retirement. Whether it’s your 401(k) account, IRA, or an underperforming asset, Joel Johnson can answer your questions and make you more aware of issues that may affect you.

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