The Get Ready For The Future Show

"I’m trying to prepare for the new year well. What’s the best order of investing for 2025?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What kind of estate planning do I need to do to be sure all my stuff is in order before the new year if possible? Should I claim Social Security early and go ahead and get my benefit or should I delay? I’m planning to retire next year. What steps should I take to make sure I don’t outspend my budget? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 12/18/2024

With the markets pulling back last week, investors are left wondering: will the annual Santa Claus rally show up this year? John Shrewsbury, filling in for Scott Inman, breaks down market trends, small business optimism, and a possible bear case as we approach 2025. And for charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/will-the-santa-claus-rally-save-the-markets/

"Which is best: a will or trust for man and wife with less than $2 million net worth with three children?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What’s your opinion of the Arkansas Public Employee Retirement System? I’m 65, retired and own my home. What should I do with $150,000 I want to invest? With interest rates stabilizing, should I consider adjusting my investment strategy? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 12/11/2024

Discover the surprising truth about consumer spending in America! In this Fastest Four, Scott's breaking down:  - The age group spending nearly $100,000 annually  - The massive $84 trillion "Great Wealth Transfer" coming soon  - How top income earners control consumer spending  - Why workers are saving more and feeling financially confident Key insights from LPL Research's Outlook 2025 reveal the hidden economic trends shaping America's financial future. And for charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/spending-secrets-revealed/

"What do I need to do to save more and be sure I have the retirement I want?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What’s the best strategy for transitioning from my current career to full retirement? I’m 39 and saving 18% of my income for retirement between my employer plan and a Roth IRA. Is that enough? If we want to travel in retirement, how can we plan for price increases over time? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 12/4/2024

Is there a Santa Clause rally coming? In this week's Fastest Four, Scott breaks down historical stock performance, revealing why December might just be your portfolio's best holiday gift. And for charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/santa-claus-rally-2024/

"My husband and I have $3.2 million in retirement savings. At this rate, would the 4% rule be an okay strategy for us?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What are your thoughts about the future of interest rates and how should this affect my investment strategy? With potential tax changes coming after the election, should I be adjusting my tax planning or retirement withdrawal strategy? What are your thoughts about how I should divvy up the money from a recent inheritance to my kids? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 11/27/2024

What’s in store for taxes under a Trump administration? From Social Security changes to the extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we break down what could impact your finances over the next four years. Will taxes on Social Security be eliminated? Can government spending be reduced enough to fund new tax cuts? Join John Shrewsbury as he explores these pressing questions and what they mean for your financial independence. And for charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/trumps-tax-promises/

"How do I know when I've saved enough, and how do I keep my money from diminishing in retirement if inflation keeps its pace?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! My wife hired an advisor. Should I join her to keep our plans in sync? With recent economic growth, should I be more aggressive with my investments now? If consumer spending starts to decline unexpectedly, how will that affect my retirement? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 11/20/2024

Discover the ultimate retirement destinations for 2025 as Scott breaks down U.S. News and World Report's updated rankings. The results may surprise you! Whether you're planning for retirement or just curious about the best places to live, this video is your ultimate guide to finding your perfect retirement paradise! Check out the full report here: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire And for charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/top-10-best-retirement-cities-in-2025/

"My wife and I are worried about potential health issues in retirement, so should I cut back on contributions to fund a Long-Term Care policy or contribute more and self-insure?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! How can I consolidate/simplify my accounts without creating a major tax event? I've got a few mutual funds that are growth and aggressive growth. Should I diversify? What investments should I focus on to maintain growth and reduce risk in a potential economic downturn? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 11/13/2024

Big news for retirement savers: The SECURE Act 2.0 is bringing massive changes to catch-up contributions in 2025! In this week's Fastest Four, discover how workers aged 60-63 can supercharge their retirement savings with an extra $11,250 in catch-up contributions.  Whether you're playing catch-up or planning ahead, learn how these new contribution limits could transform your retirement strategy! For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/401k-game-changer-catch-up-strategy-unlocked-for-2025/

"I'm 67 and the bulk of my $3 million is invested in stocks. How should I adjust my investments before retiring next year?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! How should we invest if we know we will help care for my wife's parents in their retirement? How do I know if I have enough life insurance coverage for me and my spouse? What's a tax-efficient way for me to leave a good amount to my grandchildren? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 11/6/2024

In this week's Fastest Four, Scott dives into the market's enthusiastic response to the recent election results. Learn how managing your emotions is just as crucial post-election as it was pre-election and the importance of sticking to your long-term investment strategy, even in the face of political changes. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/navigating-the-post-election-market-surge-key-insights-for-investors/

"My partner and I have $4.75 million saved, earn $250,000 a year, and only spend about half that. When can I quit working?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!  With my husband's pension and the 17% we've been investing, is that enough? Do I need a trust if I'm retired and divorced with two adult children? With many seniors getting scammed, how do you protect your clients? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) for more information about how to protect yourself against cybercrime and to submit a complaint if you or someone you know has been targeted. Originally aired 10/30/2024

Don't let politics destroy your investment strategy! In this episode of the Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott takes a look at historical stock market performance across ALL presidential administrations, how the U.S. economy grows regardless of who's in the White House, and why staying invested matters more than political allegiance. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/stock-market-secrets-how-your-political-bias-could-cost-you-millions/

"I’m 55 and I’ve got about $450,000 in retirement assets so far. What steps should I take now to ensure a comfortable retirement at 64?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Which sectors do you believe will be most impacted by the election results? Would you recommend I pay off debt before getting into rental properties? What if I plan on retiring now, before the year on my target date fund? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 10/23/2024

A new study reveals a massive disconnect between what financial advisors claim they're discussing and what clients are actually hearing about retirement planning. In this week's Fastest Four, Scott's breaking it down! For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/the-shocking-truth-about-retirement-income-planning/  

"I realized my advisor's only strategy is some version of the 4% rule. How do I know if I'll run out of money?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What is your outlook on interest rates? At 62, should I keep my Universal Life Insurance policy? With a lot of seniors getting scammed, how do you protect your clients? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 10/16/2024

In this week's Fastest Four, discover why the U.S. retirement system scored a mediocre C+ in the 2024 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index. Scott takes a look at the rankings and how to take control of your retirement so you can aim for an A+! For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/us-retirement-grade-c/

"I own a small business. Can you help me decide what next steps to take to set myself up for retirement or set my family up for the future" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What do you recommend if I'm 5 years out from retirement? I don’t like to live by a strict budget. Will I have to do that in retirement? How do I pick the right Medicare supplement? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 10/9/2024

In this week's Fastest Four, Scott's breaking down an important issue BOTH presidential candidates are ignoring: the looming $35 trillion of U.S. debt. And more importantly, what it means for YOU and your financial independence. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/americas-debt-crisis-explained/  

"I’ve been single all my life and I’m heading into retirement next year. What are some things I should consider about retirement that may be different for me as a single woman?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! As the Fed lowers rates, how does this affect my overall financial independence? My dad recently passed away and my mom is struggling with what to do financially. Should she invest the life insurance money? With a new baby on the way and college costs increasing, how much should I put in a 529? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 10/2/2024

With the last few years of inflation, consumer spending has still been strong. But how?! In this Fastest Four, Scott's taking a look at how rising personal wealth has been fueling the economy and how it might be affecting YOUR economy. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/wealth-surge-fuels-economy/

"With the election, I’m wondering if I should start to diversify before things get too dicey?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!  Does cashing out an Inherited IRA count as income against my Roth IRA income limits? My wife and I are struggling to decide when we should retire. Can you give us some pointers?  And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 9/25/2024

After a strong three quarters this year, the S&P500 is up 20% year-to-date with 39 all-time highs in 2024. But what does that mean for the end of the year? Scott's taking a look at September's surprising strength and what historical data suggests we could look forward to in the final quarter of 2024! For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/2024-stock-market-soars-will-q4-continue-the-bull-run/

"I’ve heard a lot of friends talking about RILAs. Can you explain what they are and how I would know if I need one?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!  I was planning to retire at the end of the year but lost my husband unexpectedly. Can I still retire? What advice would you give someone wanting to enter the financial planning industry? Does cashing out an Inherited IRA count as income against my Roth IRA income limits?  And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 9/18/2024

Discover why investors are flocking to defensive stocks in this week's Fastest Four! Scott breaks down the recent market shift from growth to defensive sectors like consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare. And learn how this rotation might signal economic changes and impact your investment strategy. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/market-shift-alert-why-defensive-stocks-are-suddenly-outperforming/

"Now that we're eligible again for a Roth IRA, should we fund that instead of the Roth 401k?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! What should I do with a tax-free lump sum I'll be receiving? Should I start diversifying by buying bonds if I'm 5 years out from retirement? Should I up my life insurance policy? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 9/11/2024

Don't let election year rhetoric cloud your financial judgment. In this week's Fastest Four, Scott's taking a look at the surprising relationship between politics and economic perception and how political bias can skew our view of the economy, potentially impacting investment decisions.

"I’m 55 and planning to retire early. What do I need to be aware of to try to decrease the amount of taxes I have to pay?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Can you retire comfortably at 60 with $1M? What are the benefits of a spousal IRA? I’m worried about a recession. Am I too risky right now? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 9/4/2024

The Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates. But what does that mean for you? Scott's diving into some historical data in this episode, and taking a look at how interest rate cuts have affected stock and bond performance.

"My wife and I both have pensions. Can we do anything now to minimize the tax burden in retirement?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!  At what age should one start to consider Roth conversions from retirement accounts? How should we invest if interest rates fall?  Is it wise to save up enough cash to pay for a rental property for diversification? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 8/28/2024

In this week's Fastest Four, Scott's diving into a recent survey about how Americans are approaching their Social Security benefits: Why 3 out of 4 Americans understand delayed benefits but only 1 in 10 plan to wait The most popular age for claiming Social Security (hint: it's not what you think!) Top reasons people are claiming early - including fears about Social Security's future The BIGGEST mistake 88% of Americans are making with retirement income planning

"I’m 61 and trying to figure out the right Social Security strategy for me. What should I do to get the most out of it?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! With mortgage rates coming down, is now the right time to buy a house? Can you help me figure out if I need an annuity? How should we allocate the inheritance we just received from my wife's father? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 8/21/2024

What is a yield curve? How is it connected to recessions and stock market performance? And what does any of this mean for YOU? Scott's breaking it all down in this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance! For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/yield-curve-inversion-recession-indicator-or-bull-market-signal/

"Should I start paying down my mortgage more aggressively? If I do, it would cut into my Roth and HSA contributions." We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Can you explain inflation numbers to me and how I can adjust to them? Which accounts should I draw from first if I'm about to retire? Should we cut down some retirement contributions to fund our kids' education? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 8/14/2024

Worried about the 2024 election's impact on your investments? Scott brings surprising truths about stock market performance during election years and beyond. He's also breaking down historical data and debunking common misconceptions, with valuable insights for investors navigating political uncertainty. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/election-year-investing-stock-market-myths-busted/

I own a business that’s largely online. What would you suggest in the planning process for a smooth transition or sale of the business if I retire or pass away? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show with a special guest, Attorney Chris Rippy from Rippy, Stepps & Associates in Conway! Can you help me understand how my beneficiaries will inherit my retirement accounts? What should I consider if my adult child is going to inherit $300k, but is financially irresponsible What's a tax-efficient way to donate assets to a charity when I die? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 8/7/2024

Dive into this week's rollercoaster ride on Wall Street! Scott Inman breaks down the recent market volatility, explaining why panic selling can be your worst enemy. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/wall-streets-wild-ride-why-panic-selling-could-cost-you/

I want to start a business in my “retirement.” Where should I start and what are some protections I need in place to keep my retirement assets safe? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!  Where should I contribute more if I just got a significant raise? My financial advisor suggests investing 20% of my assets in an annuity - is that a good idea? As a single dad of two teenagers, how do I know if I'm saving enough? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 7/31/2024

Dive into the latest housing market trends with Scott Inman in this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance. Discover how the South has dominated home sales for 16 years and why the Great Reshuffle might be ending. For charts and more episode information, visit: https://getreadyforthefuture.com/housing-market-shift-is-the-southern-boom-cooling-off/

I'm 37 and plan to retire early in 8 years. Can I do that, and work part-time, when I get my pension? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! How do we know when we can spend a little more versus being more conservative with our hard-earned money in retirement? What should I do with an inheritance that I want to grow, but also access before retirement? At 42 and just starting investing, what are some ways I can try and catch up to where I should be? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 7/24/2024

Dive into the latest investment trends of 2024 in this quick financial update. Scott takes a look at where billions are flowing in the stock and bond markets with insights on market movements, sector rotations, and potential impacts of Fed rate cuts.

My wife and I have a stereotypical 60/40 split. Are we “safe” enough? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! ✅ Should I be worried about a recession after the election? ✅ Are there any tax-efficient strategies for transferring ownership of my business when I retire? ✅ Is $1M enough to retire comfortably with recent soaring inflation? All this straight talk and more LIVE, Wednesday at 11:30!🎙️ - ❓ Have your own questions? Call or text us at 501.381.5228 or email [email protected]. We're here to help you navigate the journey to true financial independence. See you there! Originally aired 07/17/2024

In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, John dives into how past Presidential Elections can affect the Stock Market. Can you really prepare yourself based on who wins? 

Do you recommend prioritizing maxing out both our IRAs before making contributions to a brokerage account? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Can I comfortably retire with $800k in my 401(k) and Social Security? How does government spending play into inflation? What advice can I give my adult children who are receiving a sizeable inheritance? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]! Originally aired 7/10/2024

In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott dives into LPL Research's Mid-Year Market Outlook and explores the surprising link between home refinancing and consumer spending that may have prevented a recession.  For charts and more episode information, visit https://getreadyforthefuture.com/housing-market-secrets-how-refinancing-saved-the-economy/

I’m 57 and have had some health scares lately and I'm thinking: what kind of options do I have for healthcare in retirement? We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! How can I leave money to my kids without burdening them with taxes? My wife and I are in our late 40s: should we sit down with an advisor? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to [email protected]!   Originally aired 7/3/2024

We're keeping it simple this week on the Fastest Four with a special Independence Day message from Scott Inman.