The Get Ready For The Future Show

Does Having Children Later Change Your Plan?

Does it change things, financially, if we just had a kid in our 40s? We're answering your questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show! Should my wife and I boost savings or contributions if we both have pensions? Help - contributions limits confuse me! What options do I have to prepare for health expenses?
If you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email your question to mailto:show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 12/6/2023

(FF) Another Santa Claus Rally?

Stocks rallied almost 9% in November - does that make a Santa Claus rally more or less likely? In this episode of the Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, we analyze the historical data on December and end-of-year stock market performance and break down the numbers and trends evaluating whether stocks could keep rising into 2023.

Is Renting Throwing Away Money?

I'm 35 and still renting. Is that throwing away money, especially with interest rates being so high? My mom is 62 and I'm 32. How should I prepare if I need to take care of her? What's the difference between a money market account and a money market mutual fund? How do I talk with my husband about money when he hates discussions about finances?
These are YOUR questions! And if you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 11/29/2023

(FF) Bonds Back in Favor?

Bonds are making a comeback! This week we're focusing on fixed-income investments and why the outlook is improving for bonds in 2023. With the Federal Reserve's rapid rate hikes over the past two years, bonds took a hit. But with rates potentially peaking, the outlook for fixed income is turning positive!

Principal Payments vs. Investing

Should we start making additional principal payments on our 30-year mortgage or put that money toward investing? On the Get Ready for the Future Show, we're answering YOUR questions! What's the difference between brokerage and UTMA if I want to pre-pay future child expenses? Is it better to max out my HSA or Roth 401(k) first? Is my friend's pawn shop a good indicator of the economy?
And if you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 11/22/2023

(FF) Hold Down the Fort!

It's the Thanksgiving edition of the Fastest Four Minutes In Finance! We have so much to be thankful for around our office, especially you! This week we're sifting through the noise that says that you shouldn't be in the market right now because of the uncertainty. Don't let headlines dictate your demeanor on the markets as we head into the last few weeks of the year, it could cost you! Learn more in this week's episode. 

Target Date Funds in Both Investment Accounts?

Do Target-Date Funds hinder my potential? I'm nervous about the market and indexed annuities seem less risky - what are some safe options for me? Should I lower my employer plan contribution in favor of more Roth dollars? What's the best way to fund my HSA?
These are YOUR questions! And if you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 11/15/2023

(FF) Stock Market Surge Headed for a Stop?

Recent economic data suggests recession odds are decreasing. Small caps and tech stocks rallied on hopes of a Fed pivot, but growth potential remains beyond mega-cap stocks. This week we break down the latest inflation, jobs, GDP numbers, and what they mean for the markets going forward. 

Military Moving: Is Buying a House an Option?

How can I lessen the tax burden as the beneficiary of a trust? We're answering YOUR questions! As a military couple, is buying a house and renting it when we move a reasonable option? At age 32, am I contributing too much to my retirement plans? Are there disadvantages to making backdoor Roth contributions?
If you would like a question answered on the show, reach out to 501.381.5228 and leave a voicemail! Or send your questions to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 11/8/2023

(FF) Beware Christmas Spending

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even though it's still early November! Retailers are gearing up for what's predicted to be a record-high spending holiday shopping season. But don't let the big numbers fool you - the growth rate is slowing. In this episode, we break down the holiday sales forecasts and what they really mean for the economy. With inflation high and consumers tapped out, experts predict holiday sales will grow at the slowest pace in years. Get the full data analysis and find out what it means for your personal finances heading into the new year.