The Get Ready For The Future Show

Pay Student Loans vs. Fund IRA?

Should I pay an extra $500 on my student loans, a Roth, or split it?
We're answering YOUR questions on the Get Ready for the Future Show!
How can I help my father set up a retirement plan as a small business owner? My wife and I own a small business and are feeling pretty comfortable. What should we do next? Can I count my commercial building loan payment toward my retirement savings rate?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 2/14/2024
DISCLOSURE
This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing.

(FF) Big Swing in the Wrong Direction

In this week's Fastest Four, we break down the January inflation data that rattled stocks this week and caused a swing in the major indexes. See where the biggest inflows and outflows were last month among asset categories like bonds, large-cap, and small-cap funds. Get insights into investor behavior and how to position your portfolio to benefit from potential market leadership changes in 2024.

Max Out My 401(k) in Q1?

How should I deal with short-term savings? Should I max out my 401(k) in the first quarter or spread it out over the year? Does the bank own my mom's reverse mortgage after she died? What are the best retirement options for the self-employed?
We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 2/7/2024

(FF) The Resilient American Consumer

Consumers have absorbed almost 3 years of high inflation, yet demand for luxury goods is still strong. What's driving consumer confidence and spending? We break down the data on sentiment, credit card debt, big-ticket purchases, spending on goods vs services, and what it means for the economy and your investments on this week's Fastest Four. 

Move Old Pension to New 401(k)?

I've got an old pension from a previous job. Should I move it to my current 401(k)?
We're answering your questions! Should we try and fund our 3-month emergency fund up to 6 months, or max out our IRA contributions? What should our next steps be toward our "forever home?" Do millionaires really only have 3-6 months of expenses in cash?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 1/31/2024

(FF) Stock Market During an Election Year

Does political preference impact stock performance? History says NO! On this week's Fastest Four, we're looking at the data showing the stock market performs well overall during election years (regardless of who wins), average returns are positive 100% of the time when the incumbent president runs again, and more on why you should stay invested based on your financial goals, not politics.

I Make My Spouse Feel Broke?!

How do I make my wife feel wealthy when she says I make her feel broke? How can I help my mom gift some stocks to her church? Should I just leave my old 401(k) plans at my old jobs? How do I repair my retirement savings after my divorce?
We're answering YOUR questions! And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 1/24/2024
Disclosures:A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

(FF) S&P 500 Record Highs!

The S&P 500 just hit a new all-time high for the first time in over 2 years! But history shows this could just be the beginning of a longer run. Data shows the index has averaged 14% gains 1 year after breaking long high droughts. We're breaking it all down on this week's episode of The Fastest Four Minutes In Finance. 

Snow Day Replay: Debunking Dave Ramsey

The weather outside was frightful! We couldn't make it to the studio this week, so we're here with an encore presentation of our show debunking Dave.
Ramsey Solutions has done a lot of good for a lot of people searching for financial independence. And we agree with many of their philosophies! But recently, Dave gave some investment advice that was just plain wrong and you've got some questions about it!
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 1/3/2024

(FF) More Government Changes

A new retirement account is here! Learn all about Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESA) in this episode. We explain how the SECURE Act 2.0 created PLESAs in 401(k) and other employer retirement plans in 2024.