The Get Ready For The Future Show

Should HSA Be Invested in Growth?

Should my HSA dollars be invested in high growth? How can I better understand my risk tolerance? If I'm retiring soon, what questions should I be asking my advisor? Invest more in pre-tax or Roth?
We're answering YOUR questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show. 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 12/20/2023

(FF) Santa Claus Rally is Here

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently reached a new all-time high after a swift 15% two-month climb. Historical data shows the index tends to see positive returns 71% of the time over the following year after breaking records. With investors optimistic the Fed may cut rates in 2023 and a potential recession dodged, could this Santa Claus rally be just getting started? Tune in to hear analyses of the Dow's milestone, what market indicators may forecast, and whether analysts forecast the bull run continuing through 2024.

Buy Company Stock at a Discount?

If I can buy my employer stock at a discount, should I max out my contribution? Saving 31% as an Army officer and planning to retire in 4 years - should I change anything? Are CDs a better option than brokerage for the next 6-12 months? Accumulated almost $900k and wondering if I'll be okay when my wife and I retire in 2-3 years? 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 12/13/2023

(FF) Required Minimum Distribution Madness

The IRS retirement rules around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are an absolute trainwreck. They changed the ages, the exceptions, and even the penalties. This week, we lean on the wisdom of retirement tax consultant Ed Slott so you don't accidentally skip an RMD and get slammed with a 25% penalty. We'll explain the new RMD ages, inherited IRA 10-year payout rules, and key exceptions you need to know. Even some advisors are confused, so whether you're retired already or have an inherited IRA, don't miss this. It could save you thousands in penalties down the road!

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.