Financial Planning Explained

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP begins a two-part case study on Planning Considerations. This series is special because it is designed to touch on all six major aspects of financial planning including: Cash Management, Tax Planning, Risk Management, Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, and Estate Planning. In part one, Mike touches on examples including: widowed spouses, self-employment, beneficiaries, and retirement options. Tune into this episode as it touches on topics that are applicable in almost everyone's daily life.

Inflation continues to rise; will it ever end? This week is Part II of our timely two-part series on Financial Planning: Explained. In this two-part series, Host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Gene Goldman, CFA. Gene is the Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research of Cetera Investment Management. In part II, Gene and Mike discuss indicators used to determine what to expect from the markets moving forward, as well as the continued conversation of inflation and how it is affecting Americans daily. Tune in to this MUST-SEE episode to see where we go from here.

Inflation and rising interest rates have wreaked havoc on the markets so far this year. Why, and will this continue? This week is Part I of an exciting and timely two-part series on Financial Planning: Explained. In this two-part series, Host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Gene Goldman, CFA. Gene is the Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research of Cetera Investment Management. Gene and Mike discuss a variety of topics including: the current state of the markets, the inflation issue in the current economy, and the indicators used to determine these factors. Part I reviews where we are in the economy to date. While Part II, airing next week, Mike and Gene discuss where we expect to go from here. These are MUST-SEE episodes for those who have any type of investments in the markets.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is again joined by occasional co-host, Kyle Ryan, CFP. Mike and Kyle continue the series called Case Studies. These case studies are designed to touch on scenarios that could occur and provide unique strategies on how to handle such situations. This week’s episode provides two different case studies. The first scenario discusses an elderly woman who is faced with needing more income to live, and thinks her solution is to sell her home and rent it from the buyer. Mike and Kyle present the pitfalls and explore ways she could accomplish this by selling the home to her son, who would eventually be the beneficiary of the home, anyway. The second case study touches on life insurance, and a few strategies that could help you efficiently leave your beneficiaries the most of your assets. It also touches on methods to hep maximize tax efficiency and other strategies to maximize the life insurance with no additional out of pocket costs.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Kathe Kline. Kathe is a best-selling author and founder of MedicareQuick, who helps navigate through the uncertain waters of the Medicare system. Kathe and Mike discuss the nuances of Medicare and supplemental insurance programs in great detail. There are little known penalties that even some experts haven’t heard of, so don’t fall victim to these traps! Sit down with Kathe and Mike for an in-depth analysis on Medicare and some strategies that could help you down the road. This is a MUST SEE for anyone approaching the age of 65, or who may be applying for Medicare.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Larry Faulkner for Part II of their two-part series on psychological roadblocks to financial success. Larry is a Certified Financial Instructor and best-selling author who has written three books on the behavioral aspects of finance. In Part II, Larry and Mike dive deeper into the behavioral aspects of consumer spending. There are many different factors that contribute to irresponsible spending habits that result in roadblocks to achieving financial success. Sit down with Larry and Mike to learn more about how you can identify and avoid bad habits in your daily life that could impede your ability to achieve your financial goals!

On this week’s episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Larry Faulkner for Part I of their two-part series on psychological roadblocks to financial success. Larry is a Certified Financial Instructor and best-selling author who has written three books on the behavioral aspects of financial planning. This episode touches on the origins of financial behaviors. Consumer spending is like any other human behavior and can be affected by a number of factors including environmental or psychological situations during childhood. Tune in with Larry and Mike as they discuss the financial awareness that could improve your chances of achieving financial success.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is excited to welcome back Herb Morgan. Herb is a very insightful guest who has been on the show before. He is the Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Efficient Market Advisors. Herb has been a guest on CNBC Television, Fox News and CBS Market Watch, along with many other publications. With over 55 years of investment experience between the pair, Herb and Mike tackle all of the volatility going on in the economy at the moment including inflation, energy prices, and the Ukraine conflict. Tune in with Herb and Mike as they discuss current financial topics.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with occasional co-host, Kyle Ryan, CFP. Mike and Kyle continue the series called Case Studies. These case studies are designed to touch on scenarios that could occur and provide unique strategies on how to handle such situations. This episode touches on multiple areas of financial planning, such as maximizing tax efficiency approaching retirement, strategizing Social Security benefits, tax planning when moving to a different state. This episode also provides an example of the appropriate use of Roth IRA conversions and their timing, and integrating them with retirement income planning. The hosts also briefly touch upon recent changes to inherited IRAs rules and how they may impact multiple generations. Every financial situation is different, but you can check out this episode for some ideas that may benefit you when it comes to maximizing your tax efficiency and retirement planning.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP discusses the popular topic that we hear often - debt management. There are multiple ways to get out of debt, but every situation is unique when it comes to a solution. In this episode, Mike covers ideas like: unique way to effectively take money out of an IRA to pay off debt without paying a tax penalty, fixing credit, maintaining goal of paying off college, and continuing to save for retirement.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP covers the topic of maximizing tax efficiency for retirement, as well as maximizing Social Security benefits. There are many facets to consider when it comes to collecting Social Security, and also how the answer to one question results in opening several other doors to help maximize tax efficiency throughout retirement, and even addresses estate planning issues from a tax efficiency perspective. This episode is a must listen.

On this week’s episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP continues the series on Case Studies. In this episode, Mike continues with Part II of Maximizing Social Security Benefits. This case study incorporates numerous complexities and strategies for navigating and maximizing the Social Security system, including a strategy of collecting survivor benefits while allowing their own benefits to grow. In addition, this also coordinating inherited IRA distributions, maximizing tax efficiency and meeting retirement goals. Topic covered include issues met when trying to collect social security before retirement age, and the pitfalls of exceeding the earning limit if you choose to collect early while still working.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP starts a new series called Case Studies. These case studies are designed to touch on scenarios that could occur and provide unique strategies on how to handle such situations. The first case study discusses Maximizing Social Security Benefits. There are many different facets when it comes to Social Security, and everyone's situation is unique. Check out this episode for some ideas that may benefit you when it comes to maximizing your social security.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Carol Verhake. Carol is the owner and founder of Lasting Landscapes by Carol. Carol and Mike discuss her transition from corporate America to following her dream by starting her own landscaping business. For anyone considering a career change, this episode is a must watch.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Gaston Escudero. Gaston is the Mid Atlantic Regional Sales Director at NexPoint. Gaston and Mike explore the various options of alternative investing. Breaking the traditional Stock/Bond blend, alternative investments allow you to further diversify your investment portfolio.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Paul Deloughery. Paul is a Managing Attorney at Sudden Wealth Protection Law, PLC. Paul and Mike talk about sudden wealth and how important it is to protect it. Whether it be an inheritance, trusts, or estates, the legal piece is extremely important so that you keep what is rightfully yours.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Autumn Nessler. Autumn is a Certified Retirement Options Coach at An Intentional Life, LLC. Autumn and Mike discuss the soft side of retirement planning for women. Women in the work place face many challenges through their career including: marriage, pregnancies, raising children. Autumn and Mike look into steps to help women get back to investing in themselves upon retirement.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined again by Brian Pugliese, CPA. Brian is a Certified Public Accountant and member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors. Brian and Mike talk about ways to maximize tax benefits when contributing to a 529 plan.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Brian Pugliese, CPA. Brian is a Certified Public Accountant and member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors. Brian and Mike discuss key tax strategies that people should consider going in to the end of the year.

On this week's on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Ryan and Kyle are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates financial planning, and are answering questions asked by our audience in the final leg of a four part panel series. In the final Q&A episode, the guys talk about the difference between active and passive investing, growth and value stocks, and getting bumped into a higher tax bracket.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is once again accompanied by Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe for part 3 of this four part Q&A series. Ryan and Kyle are both junior staff members at Menninger & Associates financial planning. In part 3, the trio discusses backdoor Roth IRAs, the rules behind gifting money, and the very popular subject of how to combat inflation.

On this week's on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Ryan and Kyle are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates financial planning, and are answering more questions that were asked by our audience. In the second part of this four part Q&A series, the trio talks about the right time to take social security, investment allocations by age, and tax write offs.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is once again joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Ryan and Kyle are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates financial planning, and are back to answer more financial planning questions as the first two-part series received such a great response. In the first part of this new four part Q&A series, the guys discuss how to select 401(k) investment options, the retirement plans available to small business owners, and recouping your investment from disastrous medical bills.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back the shows inaugural guest, Bryan Adler. Bryan is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and Managing Partner at Rothkoff Law Group where his practice advises and counsels clients in the areas such as: elder law, life care planning, asset protection, veterans’ benefits, and many others. In the previous episode, Bryan and Mike discussed Elder Law specifically, where today they are talking about Long-Term Elder Care. There are many facets involved with Long-Term Elder Care, which the two discuss. Bryan's firm happens to accommodate the various factors which people either don't realize or overlook when it comes to Long-Term care.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP chats with Jack Linvill, a retired Long Term Care Planner. Jack and Mike cover the origins of how Jack became a long-term care planner, some examples of individuals who need to plan for long term care, the costs incurred for care, and things that families should consider when planning for potential long term care needs.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP sit down with Mike Yurcho. Mike is an owner and developer of multiple Panchero's Mexican Grill stores in the New Jersey area. Mike discusses the origins and challenges of developing a franchise in two of the most difficult eras in modern history; the 2008 recession and the 2020 pandemic.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP welcome Steve Goodman. Steve is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the President & Chief Executive Officer of SHG Planning. Steve, Kyle, and Mike discuss the importance of succession planning for your business. Many business owners overlook or simply wait too long to design a business succession plan. The unfortunate reality is, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP are joined once again by Shellee Howard. Shellee is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring and Test Strategies. In part two of this College Ready series, the trio continues the discussion of college preparedness. Topics covered include: FAFSA and other financial aid avenues, EFC calculators, and choosing the right school based on financial aid.

On this week's episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP kick off a two-part series on college readiness. Mike and Kyle welcome Shellee Howard to the show this week. Shellee is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring and Test Strategies. She is also a Certified Independent College Strategist and a best-selling author. The trio discuss Shellee's journey as a mother of four, to help her children graduate debt free. This quickly blossomed into her own business, College Ready. They also discuss how young students can identify extracurricular activities that can set them apart from their peers.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Herb Morgan. Herb is the Sr. Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Efficient Market Advisors. With 34 years of investment experience, Herb has been interviewed by Forbes, CBS Market Watch, and The Wall Street Journal to name a few. He has also been a guest on Fox News and CNBC television. Herb and Mike cover multiple key and timely topics regarding the economy. They discuss the current supply and demand imbalance and its impact on inflation and interest rates, the current crisis taking place in Afghanistan, and how these events could impact the stock markets. Herb also provides his opinion on the value of the US stock market and if he thinks its overpriced.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP continues the conversation with Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Kyle and Ryan are junior advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. This week, the team discusses topics like how to choose the right financial planner for you, tax returns, and when is the best time to sell a stock/investment.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP and Ryan Keefe. Kyle and Ryan are junior advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. The trio addresses commonly asked questions that financial planners face every day. From investing to 401(k) and even insurance, they touch on important topics that we face every day.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP welcomes Dave Bardsley. Not only is Dave is a District Sales Manager at Johnson Controls, but he is also a client of Mikes. Dave and Mike examine financial planning & wealth management through the eyes of a client. They also delve into the importance and journey of becoming financially independent.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP is joined by Devon McCrossin. Devon is a Partner at Boomtown Internet Group. Devon and Mike discuss building a website for businesses, as well as the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) no matter how big or small a business is.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP sits down with Nick Lensander. Nick is the founder of Lenk Media based out of Santa Barbara, California. Nick and Mike talk about digital marketing strategy and creating content, and the importance of businesses in any industry utilizing social media.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Mike Menninger, CFP welcomes a very unique guest, his son, Tim Menninger. Tim is an Embedded Software Engineer at Green Hills Software in Santa Barbara, California. Tim and Mike discuss the importance of the operating system, how much it is used in day to day life, and even a few stories from the old days.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Bob Matje. Bob is a Pharmaceutical Professional at RemTech LLC. Bob and Mike examine running a pharmaceutical plant as a plant manager, the process of patenting pharmaceutical drugs, and the value of a consultant in any industry.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Sean Montague. Sean is the Director of Global Engineering Solutions at Merck & Co. Pharmaceuticals. Sean and Mike discuss leading construction management and safety in the Southeast (which is Sean's territory), adjusting pharmaceutical life during a pandemic, and the importance of prioritizing the patient/client.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Mike Eckenrode. Mike is a retired land surveyor with Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc. Partially enjoying full retirement, Mike now spends his days as a groundskeeper at Fox Hollow Golf Club. Mike and Mike discuss financial planning tactics upon entering retirement, as well as the intricacies of surveying land, while making golf courses harder than they already are.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Mark Bostwick. Mark is the Vice President of Business Development for Police and Fire Federal Credit Union. Mark and Mike discuss refinancing mortgages at a lower rate. They compare the pros and cons of using traditional lenders to that of credit unions, which many people are unaware of.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Mike Guman. Mike spent his college years as a running back for The Penn State Nittany Lions, before getting drafted into the NFL and spending nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Mike is currently a Senior Advisor Consultant of the Pennsylvania Region with Invesco. Aside from reliving glory years on the gridiron, Mike and Mike discuss investments in the current market.

Are you aware of all the facets that go into a mortgage? This week on Financial Planning: Explained, Mike is joined by Mike Harvey. Mike is a Mortgage Professional and co-owner of Vantage Point Financial Group. In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss everything from programs for first time home buyers to interest rates of investment properties vs primary homes.

On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Randy Steen, Esq. to the show. Randy is the President at the Law Office of Randy Hope Steen, Ltd. Randy and Mike discuss the potential tax law changes as it pertains to Estate Planning. They also touch on the best ways to approach these changes as they evolve.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, Mike is joined by Mike Cellucci. Mike is the owner of Cellucci Foran Insurance, Inc., located in Springfield, PA, where Mike focuses on Property and Casualty insurance. The two Mike’s review who may need property casualty insurance and what options do you have when applying for insurance.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, Mike is joined by the Owner of Anthony’s Italian Restaurant in Malvern, Anthony Natale. Mike and Anthony discuss what it was like owning a restaurant during covid, what Anthony’s did to make it through the pandemic, and what he would change if he had to do it all over again.

"What should I know about buying my first home?" This week on Financial Planning: Explained, we cover the intricacies of buying your first home, through the eyes of a first time home buyer. Host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined once again by Kyle Ryan, CFP, an associate at Menninger & Associates. Buying your first home can be intimidating, here are a few tips and tricks you should know before making the largest purchase of your life.

One of the most often asked questions of financial planners is, "Should I contribute to a Traditional or a Roth 401(k)?" On this weeks episode of Financial Planning: Explained, we cover contributing to Traditional or a Roth 401(k). Host Michael Menninger, CFP is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP, an associate at Menninger & Associates. Although it depends on your unique financial situation that determines whether you should contribute to a Traditional or Roth 401(k), Mike and Kyle draw out many of the determining factors.

Business succession planning is an important part of operating a business, especially for small-business owners and owners who are nearing retirement. This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Michael Egan, ChFC. Michael Egan is the founder of JME Financial Services, before merging with Menninger & Associates in 2019. By making business succession arrangements early, owners help make a smooth transition and minimize any negative effects of their departure on the company.

Divorce can be a terrible experience. This week on Financial Planning: Explained, we cover part two of our series on Family Law. For the second week, we are joined by joined by Family Law attorney, Sarinia Feinman, Esq. Sarinia is a Partner at Vetrano Vertrano & Feinman. This week, Sarinia and Mike discuss alimony, post divorce issues, and tie both segments back into how it pertains to financial planning. The fear of not knowing what the next phase of life will look like can be intimidating, but we hope this insight will give a little ease to the divorce process.