True Wealth - Financial and Investing Podcast

With inflation running hot and the middle class getting squeezed, how do we push through difficult times and overcome the financial adversity? Let’s explore the pain points and learn how we can be better investors. Episode Highlights: The effects of productivity advancements on the job market, including the potential for fewer jobs and increased competition among workers. Insights into the performance of the markets, the validity of the “sell in May and go away” strategy and considerations around the 4% rule for retirement planning. Impact of unexpected financial elements such as surprise inheritances and forgotten assets on personal financial planning. How the federal minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation since its peak in 1968 Disparity between productivity increases and hourly compensation since the 1970s. Importance of investing in assets over liabilities. Influence of inflation and government spending on asset prices. Challenges faced by the younger generation in asset accumulation. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? – Learn More Here   TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 When productivity per unit of labor goes up, what does that mean from an employer’s perspective? Right. If I’m hiring people and I can now get double the production out of a worker.   00:00:13 You’re hiring less people.   00:00:14 Right, I can hire half as many people to produce the same amount.   00:00:17 Right.   00:00:18 Okay, so what you see is the number of jobs declines as productivity goes up. Now–   00:00:26 So there’s more competition for those higher paying jobs.   00:00:30 Well, they’re not necessarily higher paying jobs, just the jobs that remain.   00:00:34 True.   00:00:34 Right, you have more people competing for the jobs that are left, which means higher supply of labor and lower number of jobs.   00:00:42 So you don’t have to pay people as much because everyone’s fighting for those jobs.   00:00:47 Correct.   00:00:54 All right, as fast as we can get into the music so we don’t have to listen to it. This is the True Wealth Show, the best Tuesday you’ve had all week. It’s Dave Littlejohn today. With me, in studio.   00:01:05 Matt Dickson.   00:01:06 It is my favorite Tuesday all week.   00:01:08 Really?   00:01:08 Yes.   00:01:09 Okay.   00:01:09 I love it. Also the last Tuesday of April. So goodbye, April. You’ve been good. Welcome, May.   00:01:15 I feel like 2024 is just ripping by.   00:01:18 It really is. So, you know, we’re in Q2. Like, we’re like a third of the way through Q2 already.   00:01:25 Well, the market has been pretty nice to us so far.   00:01:28 It has.   00:01:28 That felt good.   00:01:30 So here’s the real question, right? Do you sell in May and go away?   00:01:34 I mean, I don’t know what the numbers are year to date, but it’s on the run. Yeah.   00:01:40 Yeah, and I don’t have the answer either. If you’re looking for the answer, we can check the crystal ball and it says, oh, I didn’t even have one with me. So what it says is go get your own crystal ball. We do not try to play that game on this show as you guys know because somebody will take us seriously and then blame us. So we’re not gonna play the blame game and say we’re gonna play the let’s learn together game.   00:02:01 What are we learning about?   00:02:02 Okay, this is one of these strange ones. Let’s probably start it with an observation and a handful of statements and then it’s blossomed into, we just wanna talk about this, okay?   00:02:12 All right.   00:02:13 The question is, what does it take to get ahead today?   00:02:18 Well, I saw something interesting coming into the show. We, I mean, you saw it too.   00:02:23 Yep.   00:02:23 There’s this interesting Google search going around right now.   00:02:26 Okay, talk to me about the Google search.   00:02:28 And people are saying, you know, is $700,000 enough to retire? And apparently that’s one of the most popular, you know, searches right now on Google.   00:02:37 Right, and can you help? So we did a little reverse engineering, like a little snooping around, like, why did you come up with this number?   00:02:46 Yeah, I really wanted to know. So I started prodding around on the internet. And apparently, it’s because people are kind of focused around, well, I think I might be able to live on $40,000 a year. And with trying to live 25 years in retirement and having that kind of safe withdrawal rate around 4%, that works out to be about $700,000 that you could draw on for 25 years to live on about $40,000 a year.   00:03:15 We gotta talk for a minute about the 4% rule.   00:03:18 Do you wanna kinda go into wh

In a time where everything costs more, taxes are a burden and wage growth might not feel adequate, how do we fight back? This episode breaks down practical ways the middle class can stretch the dollar and make smart money moves. Episode Highlights: The potential investment value of firearms and ammunition, and the challenges the middle class faces in ascending to wealth. Impact of COVID-19 on global supply chains, the shift in manufacturing from China to other regions for resilience and national security, and the role of geopolitical tensions and media narratives on financial markets. Insights into economic cycles, the possibility of inflation or deflation, the role of the Federal Reserve and the complexity of managing government debt and interest rates. Strategies for wealth accumulation through asset allocation, the importance of investing in appreciating assets and balancing spending on life-enriching experiences with saving for financial growth. Principles of scarcity and leverage as they apply to economics, including the high market value of professional athletes due to their unique skills and limited supply and the strategic moves in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing. An understanding of how tax implications affect different income streams and the advantages of certain types of income such as long term capital gains, real estate and passive income over earned income. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? – Learn More Here     TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 Here’s the interesting thing about buying into, like the stock market. Okay? Now, admittedly–   00:00:05 This is what I tell my wife whenever I buy a new gun, honey, it’s an asset.   00:00:09 Well, and the crazy thing is that guns have historically appreciated in value. Unless they are abused, they typically hold their value or even go up.   00:00:16 Interestingly enough, even ammo. You watch ammo prices continually jump, jump, jump.   00:00:21 Yeah. You know when ammo prices drop though? After you shoot it. It’s really not worth as much.   00:00:27 Just hold on to it.   00:00:36 All right. It is that time of the week, the time where we complain about the inter music and get started with the True Wealth Radio Show. I’m your host, Dave Littlejohn. In studio today with me.   00:00:45 Matt Dickson.   00:00:46 Right. Because we’re like, how did we pick that one?   00:00:49 Well, we didn’t. So we just move on and–   00:00:52 Right.   00:00:53 We love it.   00:00:53 What song should we move toward? Can we pull the audio? I want everybody that’s listening to throw, especially if you’re watching this as a YouTube like thing. Go put the comments in there. We need some intro music. What should we try? Okay, so anyway, but this is not the show, this is not the True Wealth music program. We’re not gonna do that. True Wealth Radio Show today. The topic of the day. Huh?   00:01:18 Are we talking about wealth?   00:01:19 We are, no, so this is–   00:01:20 True wealth? Artificial wealth?   00:01:22 Maybe.   00:01:22 What type of wealth?   00:01:23 Well, today we’re gonna talk about being in the middle class and trying to break out of the middle class into the wealth class.   00:01:30 Okay.   00:01:31 Okay? Because–   00:01:32 These tricks and everything in between.   00:01:34 Well, there’ll be a little bit of that. What did we say? It was kind of, I will call it mildly obnoxious, but like, right? Unfortunately, the middle class often gets–   00:01:45 Pinched.   00:01:46 The middle finger.   00:01:47 Yeah.   00:01:47 Right?   00:01:48 No, it’s true.   00:01:49 The middle class gets the middle finger.   00:01:50 And every politician is gonna look at you and say, I got a plan to help you out.   00:01:54 Well, they have to.   00:01:55 Yep.   00:01:55 Right, and they have to because otherwise somebody else will say that.   00:01:59 But is that the reality? Are they actually helping us out?   00:02:01 You know, this is, well, let me ask the question another way.   00:02:04 Okay.   00:02:05 When was the last time you got 535 people in a room and you came out with the best decision possible?   00:02:10 Very, very rarely.   00:02:11 Right, if you got a decision at all, right?   00:02:14 And that’s how government works. You get a bunch of people in a room, no one can agree on anything, and your results are so poor.   00:02:19 And then you think to yourself, this is the cynical part of me, wait a minute. How do we get anything done at all? There’s 535 people, right? Like some of you guys in the community are like, yeah, I have an HOA with a hundred people in it. We can’t even determine how tall the fence can be.   00:02:31 And it’s p

Dive into the parallels between today’s AI hype and the late 90’s tech bubble. Discover similarities, differences, and valuable lessons for smart investing. Explore how historical trends can guide us in making smarter investment decisions amidst the current AI craze. Episode Highlights: AI’s transformative potential, economic disruptions, and cybersecurity risks, balancing its benefits with potential drawbacks. The true cost of technology, particularly AI and its impact on the job market, including potential job losses. Energy usage and carbon footprint of AI platforms like ChatGPT, alongside the resource requirements of electric vehicles and AI technology. The adverse impacts of technology on social behavior, productivity, and the risk of dependency, prompting the necessity for a ‘tech detox.’ The speed of market transactions, the shift to decimal stock prices, blockchain technology, and the environmental impact of AI and digital technology. SUBSCRIBE HERE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? – Learn More Here   TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 What’s the diminishing return, right? AI can do everything in 0.001 seconds, but we need to get it down to 0.0001 seconds. And you’re like, what’s the differentiator? Right now, if it has to fight another AI for something and it needs that speed, maybe, you know, military, something like that. This is for most of us. It’s like, I can wait the one 100th of a second and I don’t have to spend twice as much.   00:00:32 All right, that’s the new music. It tells us we’re going again. Welcome to the True Wealth radio show. I’m your host Dave Littlejohn. Matt’s in the studio with me today. And we’re currently setting up cameras and making sure that they are live because we are chatty and sometimes, we’re a little slow on the uptake here, but we’ve got a very interesting show for you. And again, this is the greatest Tuesday you’ve had all week.   00:01:01 First, I’m just going to say this out loud. I think we’re going to have to try to get different music, right? This is not a news program. This is like a financial entertainment program. Right? So we got to talk about money and we got to talk about it. Make it fun. Right. So we, this, that news thing, it just makes me all stressed out.   00:01:22 Well, it’s not my favorite. Yeah.   00:01:25 All right. So Dale, we’ve officially put our vote in Kyle. We were officially voting. We’re going to change the music for our program. You know why?   00:01:33 What’s like if your life was a theme song, what would it be?   00:01:36 Oh, probably something goofy. It’s not like–   00:01:39 I had a tiger or something super cool.   00:01:41 No, no, that’s cool. That I’m like, I’m not the cool guy. I’m firmly in dadland now. And so my life is a stream together of dad jokes and finance. Yeah.   00:01:57 In that order?   00:01:57 Yeah. Do you need me to, are you going to fight the microphone?   00:02:00 I am.   00:02:01 That’s like literally just, you guys are going to have to watch the video of it later because it’s going to look ridiculous. Like, what are you, are you arm wrestling the microphone?   00:02:10 I’m just going to give up for the segment and say, you know what? We’ll fix it at the break.   00:21:16 Yeah. So anyway, we got to thinking today, what would be the most valuable thing that we can talk about? And I will tell you, I feel like I was chasing a curveball today.   00:02:28 Yeah, but.   00:02:29 Well, why? You know, cause yesterday was tax day, right? So tax freedom day, which I haven’t checked the actual date. You know, there’s a thing by the way, you know, there’s a thing called tax freedom days.   00:02:37 You have to work in order to like start to break even. And it’s like, you work for the first, what, three or four months.   00:02:43 It’s usually really close. It’s somewhere in early February. It’s usually the crossover point where great, you’re done paying your taxes, the rest of what you earn can be yours, at least at the federal level. So, and then there’s different tax freedom day for different states, right? Oregon’s historically been on the higher side of things, so, you know, who knows? But anyway, so if you didn’t get your IRAs funded.   00:03:07 Well, too bad.   00:03:08 Now you have to do it for this year, right? Yeah, but 2023 is officially in the books.   00:03:12 Does it feel good to have another one like crossed off the list. Is it starting to go too by? Is it going by too fast? Or, I mean, you’ve been in business for a lot of years now. How many years have you been in this industry?   00:03:23 So, Little John Financial’s be

In this video, we’ll explore how different generations view and manage money based on their historical experiences. From The Silent Generation to Gen Z, we’ll discuss the unique perspectives each generation brings to money management. In this episode, you will learn the following : Generational wealth dynamics are examined, exploring how historical events have influenced spending and saving patterns. Silent Generation is known for thriftiness due to experiences like the Great Depression and World War II. Baby Boomers, growing up in economic prosperity, inherited financial discipline from the Silent Generation. Generation X faces the challenge of supporting both aging parents and children, resulting in the highest spending on necessities. Millennials prioritize experiences over possessions and have been shaped by the Dotcom Bubble and the Great Recession leading to cautious investing. Generation Z exhibits entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking but also faces unique financial challenges due to digitally-focused upbringing and recent global crises. The importance of adapting spending habits to the current economic landscape and preparing for the future, regardless of generational influences. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? – Learn More Here     TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 I think that speaks a lot, maybe to some of the inflation that we’re seeing when the top three expenses are really, kind of, stuff you need more than, want. Whereas the millennials might be on the opposite end of that spectrum, that travel, that leisure, that experience isn’t necessarily a want, it’s more of a need. And so both these generations are spending, but they’re spending in different ways.   00:00:00 What’s going on everybody? This is Matt Dickson and with me in studio today.   00:00:37 [Justin Bragerman].   00:00:38 You guys are listening to the True Wealth Radio Show where we are bringing you guys an awesome show today. Justin, this one was your kind of brainchild today. And I really am looking forward to seeing what you’ve got for us. Do you want to talk a little bit about today’s show and kind of what listeners might have in store?   00:01:00 Yeah, well, we can definitely get into that. But first, we should probably… The deadline is coming up.   00:01:07 Oh, what deadline are you referencing?   00:01:11 Tax deadline. Is it Monday?   00:01:14 Man, what day is the 15th?   00:01:15 The 15th, I don’t know what day it is.   00:01:16 Yeah, that’s coming up pretty quick. I think that is a Monday.   00:01:19 Yes. And so, any IRA or Roth IRA contributions that need, want to be made, need to be done prior to Monday.   00:01:29 Yeah, let’s try and get it done this week so that we’re not stressing out over the weekend or pushing things out to a Monday. Let’s try and get that done this week. So that’s a good friendly reminder.   00:01:41 Yes.   00:01:41 You need to fund a retirement account. This is kind of–   00:01:45 The IRAs and the max contribution that you can do, is $6,500 in 2023, unless you’re over 50, then it’s another thousand dollars for a total of $7,500.   00:01:57 Okay, well, there it is. Is that all we’ve got for people?   00:02:03 That’s the big update. I mean, the limits change next year, but, you know–   00:02:07 Yeah.   00:02:08 That we can–   00:02:08 I feel like that’s a pretty fair update for everyone. But what about the main meat of the show today? What do you got on your mind?   00:02:15 So we deal with this all the time, but we don’t necessarily compartmentalize it, I guess you could call it as different generations have different habits.   00:02:25 Okay.   00:02:26 And I don’t know what even sprung me even looking at this and it got me thinking of the different spending habits by generation and how they change and what events they kind of went through that kind of molded those changes. And so, it just got me thinking, is I wonder what the pros and cons they consider each generation?   00:02:50 As far as spinning and saving habits go based on, kind of, what age bracket you’re in.   00:02:56 Right.   00:02:56 Because I mean, I’d venture to say that, you know, if you are part of that, like I think the silent generation, right, that was somewhere in the 20s to the 40s. If you’re part of that generation, you might have a very different approach to spending and saving compared to someone who’s a Gen Z.   00:03:15 Right.   00:03:15 You know, person who’s just kind of getting started on their financial journey. So I think this is definitely worth kind of walking through because as we look at spending and saving habits by, you know, generation, I think it might awaken people to maybe

Curious about a mutual fund? In this video, we dive deep into the structure of mutual funds to help you understand them better. So many options, but we’ve got you covered! In this episode, you will learn the following : Owning a variety of mutual funds doesn’t guarantee proper diversification. Utilizing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s can significantly impact your financial future due to their tax advantages. Mutual funds are suitable for investors who are either starting or prefer not to manage their own stock portfolios. Target date funds automatically adjust investment strategies based on the investor’s age and proximity to retirement. Assessing mutual fund suitability requires understanding key investment metrics such as past performance, expense ratios, turnover ratio, manager tenure, alpha, beta and Sharpe Ratio. Be aware of the “phantom index” effect where mutual funds mimic an index fund but with higher fees. The R squared value is a statistical measure that reveals a fund’s alignment with its benchmark index and can be a tool to avoid paying high fees for index-like results. Risk drift occurs when certain assets grow and unintentionally increase the risk in your portfolio. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? -Learn More Here     TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 I’ve seen this before where someone’s like, oh man, you know, I’ve got all these different mutual funds and my money spread out over so many different areas, but you start breaking it down. And you know, I know we’ve mentioned the S&P before, but I’ve seen it before where they have maybe six mutual funds and all of them are growth oriented mutual funds. And then you look at it and you’re like, well, if the S&P for example, is 20% four or five different companies, and then your mutual funds are tracking that index, and then you add them all up, you still have about 20% of your money tracking the four or five largest companies in the US. And it’s like, well, you actually are not as diversified as you think you are.   00:00:00 Hey, welcome to the True Wealth Radio Show. On this, the greatest Tuesday you’ve had all week. I am back in, studio after a week on vacay with a little bit more of a tan.   00:01:06 I was gonna say, yeah.   00:01:08 So it’s nice, went down to Baja, had a good time. Joining me today in studio.   00:01:12 Matt Dickson.   00:01:13 And so, yes.   00:01:14 David, did you have any fish tacos?   00:01:16 Oh yeah, oh yeah. Actually, you wanna know what I had that I’d never had before? Like I had a first while I was there.   00:01:21 Really?   00:01:22 I had a first.   00:01:23 Okay.   00:01:23 Lobster tacos.   00:01:25 Oh.   00:01:26 And they were a really [bland].   00:01:28 Were they drenched in butter?   00:01:30 No, I don’t know. I mean, they were just, it was chunks of fresh lobster.   00:01:34 Yeah.   00:01:35 And it was like… it was salsa and other stuff in there too. It was like a taco instead of fish. It was lobster. And it was just kind of like, it was literally this, like, family joint. We were, now I gotta remember what it was called. It’s a separate town. We left Cabo, we were hiking, we went up into a river and jumped in waterfalls and stuff like that. But afterwards we went to there. It was… Miraflores is the name of the town. And a small town, but very authentic like, family restaurant. And my Spanish was tested. It turns out I could use some work.   00:02:11 Okay.   00:02:12 But we had a great time, great meal. But I will say this, let’s strengthen the US dollar.   00:02:18 Not quite what it used to be.   00:02:20 It does not have the same horsepower as it’s had other visits. So, you know, there’s a real life example where the exchange rate will play into your world. So, but yeah, no, it’s good time. So glad to do it. Don’t worry, your turn’s coming. Your kids are gonna get older, mad, and then it’s gonna be like, we gotta go do stuff for spring break. Right now doing stuff is like, wait a minute, it’s 10 minutes after normal nap time.   00:02:45 Right, exactly.   00:02:48 So, but it comes and then it goes fast. Everybody says.   00:02:52 First birthday is coming up this weekend.   00:02:54 That’s why.   00:02:55 Isn’t that crazy?   00:02:56 It is. Really a year?   00:02:58 Yeah.   00:02:58 Really?   00:02:59 Doesn’t seem like a year, but it’s been a year.   00:03:02 So this is the reason that investors, it should be much easier to think long-term because you just blink and it’s over, right?   00:03:11 Right.   00:03:11 Oh, I thought I was gonna be trading this thing and I’ve been holding it for a year.   00:03:15 I’m sure you’v

Are you struggling to make financial decisions? A financial coach can help you reach your financial goals and reduce financial stress. Find out if a financial coach is right for you in this video! In this episode, you will learn the following : Human aspect of financial advising and the importance of personalized coaching. The transformative impact a financial mentor can have on an individual’s success. Significance of strategic advisory teams and the concept of having a personal ‘board of directors’ for different aspects of life. A holistic financial advice that encompasses taxes, legacy and trust planning is important. Value of tailoring a coach’s approach to the individual needs of clients for optimal growth. Role of third-party expertise in business and how it can contribute to monumental growth and avoidance of pitfalls. Building a strong professional network and being selective in choosing experts who can communicate effectively is necessary. VIEW FULL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE!

Confused about which retirement account is best for you? In this video, we break down the differences between Roth vs Traditional IRA, covering key details and considerations to help you make the best decision for your financial future. Watch now to become an expert on Roth vs Traditional IRA! In this episode, you will learn the following : ● Distinguishing between traditional and Roth IRAs, their tax implications and the significance of rolling over these accounts. ● The IRA contribution rules, emphasizing that one must have earned income to contribute. ● The importance of maximizing catch-up contributions for those over 50. ● The need to stay current with regulations that adjust for inflation and the changing ages for required minimum distributions (RMDs). ● The significance of keeping track of non-deductible IRA contributions, which can affect your tax situation upon withdrawal. ● The five-year rule for Roth IRAs, explaining that both contributions and conversions to a Roth IRA must satisfy a five-year holding period to avoid penalties. ● The estate planning considerations. ● The unique benefits of Roth IRAs in estate planning. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! Looking for Personal Financial Advice? – Learn More Here   TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Here’s an example that you have to be aware of too, for example, a lot of people, oh, I’ve worked for years and I have a 401(k) plan. Years ago, my employer offered the ability to have a Roth 401(k). And so you took that up and put some money in there. 00:00:15 Perfect. 00:00:15 And then you say, I’m gonna retire and I’m gonna roll over my IRA and I’m going to– 00:00:23 I’m cringing. 00:00:24 Then take control of it and get it out of the company plan. Why are you cringing, Matt? 00:00:30 Because if you roll it over into the Roth portion, you’re starting that five-year clock that we just talked about. And it’s like, hey, I’m retired, and I’m ready to spend some of my money. And then you’re like, mm. 00:00:43 Oops, I just rebooted my five-year clock. I just re-exposed myself to the taxes that I wasn’t exposed to. 00:00:57 I’m so excited to be here. I can’t even wait for the guitar riff, Matt. 00:01:01 You know what? Just cut that guitar riff out. 00:01:04 Let’s do this thing. Welcome to the True Wealth Radio Show on this, the greatest Tuesday you’ve had all week. I’m your host, Dave Littlejohn. Joining me today. 00:01:12 Matt Dickson. 00:01:13 And we did show prep. 00:01:17 You did. 00:01:18 Yeah. 00:01:19 Well, I was kind of there for some of it, right? 00:01:20 You were. Oh, actually, no, we did do show prep, believe me. We’ve had a lot of discussion. Today, we are going to talk about something that should be relevant to all of our listeners. And no, we’re not going to go run off into the weeds. We’re not going to talk politics or anything like that, although it’s probably unavoidable knowing who we are. But we are going to talk about IRAs. 00:01:41 Is it because April 15th is kind of around the corner? 00:01:44 April 15th is around the corner. No, it’s the way you say it. 00:01:48 I feel like winter. 00:01:49 Irish Republican Army. Who is that? Not that IRA. 00:01:53 Not that IRA. No. 00:01:54 Yeah, I mean, that was sort of the start of it. And then I’ve had a number of questions that have just come up recently. We’ve had a number of clients that have also been talking to us about things like, should I convert some IRA into Roth and so forth? So we are going to talk today about exactly that. Right. 00:02:16 And maybe like, differences versus similarities? 00:02:18 Yeah, if you’re, we’re gonna look at traditional versus Roth IRAs and some of the use cases for the win of, you know, the different types. Like, why might you want one over another? Might you want both? What does it mean? And so, and some of this, we’re not gonna shy away from, there aren’t necessarily yes or no answers to this. 00:02:40 Right, we’re not really giving out specific financial advice to any one person. We’re just kind of talking about, yeah, we’re just talking about, what do these instruments do and if you need more information you can see us after. 00:02:54 Well, how about this? How about here are some red flags that may tell you that it’s time for you to go speak to somebody more knowledgeable. Okay, so that’s some things that I want to cover today, too. Like– 00:03:06 Give me an example of a red flag where it’s like, maybe go talk to someone. 00:03:10 So a red flag would be if you have a retirement plan that gets like a traditional IRA or 401(k) that gets pretty large, right? And so let’s say that you have a million and a half or more dollars in a retirement plan. 00:03:31 Right. 00:03:32 This may start to come into play. So a flag would be when you have an account that big, the question

Have you checked to ensure your beneficiaries are up-to-date? Is your life insurance under the correct spouse? Should you consider gifting assets and cash, or allow heirs to inherit? Are your assets titled in the name of your trust? Do you need a trust, and how does it differ from a will? Is a Roth Conversion the right choice for me? What exactly is a backdoor Roth? Should I convert my home into a rental? Mistakes can be costly, so tune in now for tips, tricks, and everything in between. In this episode, you will learn the following: Understanding how life insurance policies are included in the estate value is essential. If not managed correctly, life insurance can lead to taxable events. Trusts can help manage estate tax exposure but do not eliminate tax obligations. It’s essential to fund a trust by retitling assets. Common mistakes in financial planning can lead to significant tax bills and legal complications. There’s a need for accurate financial knowledge and the value of seeking professional advice to avoid errors. Strategic planning is necessary to manage estate taxes and preserve wealth within families. Demystification of the backdoor Roth IRA strategy which allows high earners to maximize their retirement savings despite income limits on traditional Roth IRAs. The critical role of precise knowledge and the benefits of having a professional financial advisor.

Discover the various methods and approaches to market analysis in this insightful video. Learn all about factor investing and how it can enhance your investment strategy. Dive deep into the world of investment evaluation and broaden your financial knowledge today! In this episode, you will learn the following : The basics of factor-based investing and how it differs from asset class categorization. The relationship between risk and expected rates of return using personal credit as an analogy. The three-factor model which includes market capitalization, value versus growth investments and the book to market ratio. How different investment factors such as beta, value and quality impact the volatility and potential returns of a stock. The concept of the cost of capital, interest rates and their effects on consumers, businesses, and government spending. A comparison of how different sectors like technology and consumer staples deal with economic fluctuations. The importance of having a strategy to weather financial storms.

There seem to be two kinds of people in the world – spenders and savers. Spenders usually need to learn how to save. But when is the right time for savers to spend? If you’re never going to spend the money, what kind of impact could you have? David and Justin tackle this question and more in this episode of True Wealth. In this episode, you will learn the following : The psychological barriers that prevent individuals from enjoying their finances. Financial industry’s emphasis on wealth accumulation over strategic spending. The balance between enhancing one’s lifestyle in retirement and planned giving to personal interests and charities. Strategies for managing retirement income, including safe withdrawal rates and the role of insurance. Financial implications of homeownership and the critical choice between self-insurance and the security of an annuity. Risk management in the golden years and considers the impact of deep-seated beliefs on financial behaviors.

In this era of escalating labor expenses, inflation, and real estate prices, how do you maintain healthy margins while expanding your business? As the True Wealth team welcomes a special guest to the show, tune in to hear from a prosperous local business owner.

As technology advances, what potential advantages and disadvantages might artificial intelligence have for the world? We must be alert and learn how to use this tool for good as the world evolves. In this episode, you will learn the following : AI brings both efficiency and ethical challenges to various industries, especially automotive. The relationship between government regulation and industry innovation requires careful navigation. Over reliance on AI and algorithms can threaten our critical thinking and autonomy. The potential of AI to be used for harmful purposes such as deepfakes and manipulation is a serious concern. AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity in areas like financial planning. Individuals are seeking ways to reclaim autonomy from technology’s pervasive influence, including reverting to simpler devices.

How efficient is the stock market? Should you put all your money in at once? There are a lot of theories floating around, so lets take a look at what these theories mean and how investors can benefit from educating themselves on the way markets operate.

What does preparedness in the face of natural disasters and potential system-wide challenges look like? Join Littlejohn Financial as they unveil a curated list of items crucial for turbulent times. Tune in to ensure you’re equipped for any unforeseen circumstances.

While many advisors focus on downturns, we unveil crucial insights on how to capitalize on market highs. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and gain a competitive edge in handling a hot stock market. In this episode, you will learn the following : Discussing government spending and its unintended consequences like the Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind Act. Staying informed about market projections during election year and the value of maintaining a learning-oriented mindset. The relationship between politics and economics and how they can affect market trends. Diversifying one’s investment portfolio and caution against putting all eggs in one basket. The necessity of having a clear strategy for managing market risks and re-entering the market after exiting. Understanding different types of risks, such as concentration risk and purchasing power risk.

With so many politicians on the naughty list this year, rumors are whirling about sightings of Santa opting to shovel coal as he flew over the capital this Christmas Eve. Bad actions often bring about unfavorable consequences: we need more accountability. Catch our top take aways from 2023 as we wrap up the year. In this episode, you will learn the following : Balancing personal freedom with societal responsibility in a technologically and economically shifting landscape Personal finance strategies to secure retirement amidst economic challenges The implications of quantum computing on industries, investments and the security of cryptocurrencies Environmental and economic impact of advancements in transportation and energy The role of traditional industries, like oil, in a future geared towards renewable energy Disconnect between market trends and economic indicators, with markets rising despite recession predictions Alarming state of personal savings and retirement planning in America The potential of drone-based transportation systems and the challenges they pose, including regulatory and safety concerns

We examine the true extent of the nation’s debt as it continues to rise. Is it possible to solve the issue? Things may appear slightly differently than you would think. In this episode, you will learn the following : The complex issue of national debt, its potential consequences, and potential solutions. Holding colleges accountable for part of student loan debt, highlighting the challenges that come with it. Economic dilemmas faced by other heavily indebted countries, particularly in Western Europe. Analyzing the $32.9 trillion national debt of the United States, comparing it with the debt of other nations and evaluating the concept of debt per citizen. The importance of wise money management and investments to avoid unnecessary debt. Economic fallout from the pandemic and the alarming rate of debt growth. Potential solutions to rising government spending and national debt, such as increasing the retirement age, instituting a national sales tax, and overhauling the tax code. The role of partisanship in these discussions and its impact on society.

Although we are not in possession of a miraculous crystal ball that can see into the future, we may utilize technical and basic patterns to guide our decision-making. Don’t pass up this fascinating viewpoint that you should hear. In this episode, you will learn the following : The viability of systems built on debt and consider the possibility of a total system collapse. The role and power of industry giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Vanguard in financial systems. The fundamentals of financial systems, discussing concepts of analysis and the market’s fluctuating nature. Scrutinize the recent market recovery and the rapid change in narrative from panic to near all-time highs. Examines the role of derivatives in the market and their potential effects on the economy. Following the money to understand the motives behind certain actions and events, and to uncover fraudulent activities.

Humor and catchy phrases make for easier ways to understand investing. You know you need a good laugh and a couple funny investment phrases, so tune in and laugh along with the True Wealth team as they run through a variety of ways to avoid mistakes and invest with confidence. In this episode, you will learn the following: A deep dive into the financial wisdom of Charlie Munger: The impressive financial acumen of Charlie Munger, his significant contribution to the evolution of Berkshire Hathaway and the essential investment lessons that can be gleaned from his experience. Financial advice with a touch of humor: Engaging advice on investing and financial planning interlaced with witty metaphors and playful references to trendy phrases such as FOMO, YOLO and HODL. Importance of patience and consistency in investing: Successful investment practices are marked by long-term planning, consistency and patience with an emphasis on steering clear of fleeting trends and excessive trading. Embracing market volatility and understanding financial tools: Delving into the importance of accepting market volatility, understanding financial tools like credit cards and maintaining an emergency fund. Mistakes to avoid in financial planning: Common mistakes in financial planning and investing such as lack of long-term planning, inadequate research, and being swayed by short-term trends.

This show highlights 10 examples of financial mistakes. Learning from others blunders can save a lot of unnecessary pain, so tune in and learn how to leverage a little patience and control during high stress situations.

There are different ways to try and gauge your investment performance. Savvy investors should give their holdings a health check and reassess goals. Learn to identify some of the common mistakes of the impatient investor. In this episode, you will learn the following: Understanding the importance of benchmarking: It is crucial to know how your investments are performing and compare them to other investments to gauge your progress. Defining your goals and needs: Benchmarking should be based on what you want to achieve and what you need from your investments. Consider factors like desired returns, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Choosing the right benchmark: Select a benchmark that aligns with your investment strategy and risk profile. Look for indexes or strategies that closely resemble your portfolio composition. Regularly reassess your risk tolerance: Your risk tolerance may change over time due to life events or market conditions. Revisit your risk assessment periodically to ensure your investments align with your current risk tolerance. Avoiding common investing mistakes: Be aware of common pitfalls such as expecting unrealistic returns, making emotional decisions, and not properly assessing risk.

The news can trigger emotional responses that shift how we view the market. How does group psychology affect the market? What we do know is the lemming scrum is often bloody and one you want to avoid, so tune in and learn how discipline can help you avoid following others into a financial pitfall. In this episode, you will learn the following: Negative news influences investment decisions: Humans have a natural bias towards negative news, and this has an impact on the stock market. When negative news is released, it can cause investors to make decisions based on fear or uncertainty, which can lead to market fluctuations. Importance of Time Horizon in Investment: Underscores the significance of understanding the time horizon for an investment. The time horizon can affect the type of risks an investor is willing to take and can influence the potential return on investment. Distinction between investing and trading: While investing generally involves a longer time horizon and is based on a company’s fundamentals, trading typically involves short-term strategies aimed at profiting from price fluctuations. The Impact of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Fear of missing out can lead investors to make hasty decisions, often leading to financial loss. This phenomenon, also known as the lemming mentality, can drive investors to jump on the bandwagon without proper analysis or consideration of the potential risks. The Importance of Investment Discipline: Emphasizes the importance of discipline in investing, advising against chasing performance or getting caught up in groupthink. Having a disciplined approach can help investors avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on their long-term financial goals.

How did ESG investing start? What is it really about? Should you care as an investor? There might be more layers and complexity to the ESG investing trend than one might think. In this episode, you will learn the following : ESG Investing: ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing, its origins, hype and impact on companies and investors. Influence of Major Shareholders: Significant influence that major institutional shareholders, such as BlackRock and Vanguard, have on the voting and decision making process of companies, particularly in relation to ESG initiatives. Marketing and Profit Motives: Criticism that some companies use ESG as a marketing ploy rather than genuinely caring about environmental and social issues. Political and Globalist Influence: Political and global factors that have shaped the rise of ESG investing, including the involvement of the United Nations, the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Economic Forum – the political conflicts of interest and the push for global governance. Consumer Choice and Government Intervention: Debate between consumer choice and government intervention in promoting sustainable practices. Being questioned is the effectiveness of government incentives and subsidies, such as for electric vehicles and the potential unintended consequences of government interference in the free market.

Tune in to our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the world of investments and unravel the key factors that contribute to investment performance. In this episode, you will learn the following : ● Investment Return: In simple terms, pick the stocks that go up. ● Backdrops in Investing: Cost of Capital, History, Interest Rates, Stock Market, etc. ● Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP): The effects of TARP and its parallels in today’s landscape. ● Growth Companies: Such companies must achieve higher growth rates, particularly in an environment with economic headwinds and higher capital costs as it is challenging to significantly increase its value when it is already of such magnitude. ● Investing in Growth Companies: They look less attractive to invest in because capital costs are higher and they may not sustain their growth rates therefore, higher risk. ● Treasury Yields: If you have a treasury that you’ve owned for a while, and the new yields get published for new treasuries, what you own gets compared to what now exists. If yields have changed, your principal value may change ● Dividend Stocks: A dividend that’s below 10-year treasury suggests that that stock, unless it has a really high growth rate, may be overpriced relative to a risk-free rate of return.

Fear is being spread by the news, advertisers and rising inflation. Many people are scared and wondering what to do to preserve their assets. Listen in as we break down the gold trade and help you to make better informed decisions.

All of us have had some kind of financial regret and wished we could go back and fix a mistake. Listen as the True Wealth team outlines nine distinct ways you might be able to avoid making an expensive financial error that might initially seem enticing.

Even savvy investors sometimes fail to grasp how concentration risk can stem from the phantom index and an eclipse market. The True Wealth team unveils how you can use metrics such as R^2, while also taking a look at what a Roth conversion is and who might benefit from one.

Even when markets are experiencing turmoil, you can often find opportunity. The Truth Wealth team breaks down a series of ways you can approach shaky markets to better navigate the storm and feel more confident as an investor.

What are the structural elements that are influencing the supply side of real estate? Tune in to hear what AmeriTitle’s General Manager, Barry Robinson, has to say.

With crime on the rise and bedlam in the streets, inflation is fueled. The cost of crime carries throughout the system. The True Wealth team takes a dive into explaining bonds and how they are affected by rising rates and what it means for the investor.

What really goes into building a business that has decent odds of surviving? AI gave us it’s best formula, but the True Wealth team takes a deeper dive into laying the groundwork for giving entrepreneurs a leg-up in building a successful strategy.

What type of mindset does someone adopt to not only build wealth, but retain it? A lot of work goes into building a solid investment portfolio. Learn about some tricks you might be able to use to better understand investing and preserving wealth.

There is some good news to share despite the rising cost of mortgages and the rising rate of theft that is reducing business revenues. Listen in as Matt and Justin break down some of today’s hottest topics.

As starter homes have all but vanished and expenses have gone through the roof, things look bleak: but the True Wealth team looks to uncover where the optimism and opportunity might exist during these troubling times.

Imports and exports have dramatically shifted in the aftermath of COVID lockdowns and a war in Ukraine. Investors should pay close attention as the trade routes are undergoing massive change.

We often wonder why a stock is priced the way it is: trying to answer that question may be more complex than you realize. Tune in to hear about ways analysts make decisions on whether it’s time to buy or sell.

The title says it all. The True Wealth team reveals tips and tricks many individuals use to acquire first-generation wealth. The ‘American dream’ is still alive, so tune in to hear about ways you can leverage your time and resources.

Everyone loves to save money, but there are times when trying to cut costs gets expensive. Learn about how spending a little extra can potentially buy you a lot more.

We too often think of risk as a static measure. The reality is, risk is much more fluid than you might think. Learn about how to assess your personal risk and how you might change it depending on circumstances.

What does it really mean to have wealth? It starts with having the right mindset. Your attitudes and habits around finances can have a huge impact on your ability to financially succeed. And while not everyone has the same idea of what :wealth” means to them, we can all benefit from taking solid steps towards financial freedom and independence. During this show, we explore some of the common habits anyone can use on their journey to true wealth.

Many people in America are seeing a huge shift in their financial picture compared to a few years ago. Debt has increased, retirement contributions have slowed and our financial literacy has declined. It’s time to fix that. Tune in to hear ways we can fix a growing problem.

Is your retirement plan working for you, or against you? There are a variety of different retirement vehicles in existence. Whether you are an employee or an employer, there are some key pieces you need to know in assessing if you are optimizing contributions to their fullest ability.

Discover the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s dynamic markets and gain valuable insights into its implications for investors. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of AI and explore what lies ahead in the near future.

Discover eight actionable strategies that will empower you to reach new heights and manifest triumph in every area. Tune in now and embark on a transformative journey toward achieving unparalleled success in your personal and professional endeavors. Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource for self-improvement and growth.

Discover the power of cash in your investment strategy! Explore the untapped potential of cash and its vital role in creating a successful investment portfolio. Join us as we delve into the various ways cash can contribute to your financial growth.

You must be intentional when working with the tax code. What is the difference between a CPA and a Financial Advisor? Tune in to find out how an advisor might be able to help you maximize the opportunities you have.

Yes, we are aware that the Federal Reserve affects interest rates, but there are other powerful forces at work as well. Discover some of the factors that may be influencing interest.

When the stock market investment landscape has changed and volatility has increased, what are some ways investors can turn a market full of lemons into lemonade? Strawberries and sugar of course! The real list might be longer than you think, so tune in.

This week, David and Matthew explore the hints buried beneath the Market.

In this podcast, we discuss the potential future of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency and the upcoming deadlines for April 18th. Our advisors weigh in on the implications and offer insights on what to expect.