As the year is getting started, are you setting yourself up to be in an even more favorable position with your taxes in 2025? Proactive tax planning at the beginning of the year can help you reduce the tax you pay this year. We're sharing 5 ideas with you on how you can reduce your taxes on this episode of Wise Money.... more
Kodak is the latest of many companies that have stopped their pension, giving participants options on whether to cash it out, roll it over, or draw a monthly retirement payment. In this episode of Wise Money, we are explaining all the options you have if you find yourself in this situation and how to decide which is be... more
Welcoming a new baby into your life is an exciting journey, but it can also bring financial challenges. Whether you're expecting, planning to grow your family, or currently have kids, they all have different financial needs. In this episode of Wise Money, we're breaking the journey into 3 stages—pregnancy, maternity (t... more
What are your financial priorities for 2025? The habit of establishing written financial goals is extremely helpful in building wealth and achieving financial success. In this episode of Wise Money, we'll help you establish the right goals for the new year and build a plan to achieve them.Season 10, Episode 19Schedul... more
If you are planning to retire in the year ahead, not only do you need to build out a five-factor retirement plan, but you need to pay more attention to three specific areas in your financial life. In this episode of Wise Money, we're sharing which areas need extra attention and how you can get a jump start in those are... more
As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to consider your giving strategies. Do you optimize both your tax planning and your estate planning when making charitable gifts? In this episode of Wise Money, we're sharing our favorite strategies that not only benefit your loved ones and favorite charities but also... more
Are you looking to reduce your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) and keep more of your hard-earned money? Once you turn age 73, soon to be 75, you are required to begin withdrawing at least a minimum amount from your pre-tax retirement accounts. If you're not already drawing from them, this requirement can cause sig... more
Retirement is often the most significant financial goal for many, and it usually requires the longest time to reach. One crucial factor in retiring with confidence is knowing how much money you need to save. So, how much should you have set aside for a secure retirement? In this episode of Wise Money, we're joined by g... more
Tax planning is the proactive, creative work done before the end of the year and, in some instances before you file your taxes to improve your tax return. We are walking you through some of the most beneficial tax planning strategies that you should consider implementing in your financial situation before the end of th... more
There are 6 areas to everyone's financial life, and the best way to make progress in your finances is to make wise strategies that bring synergy to these 6 areas in pursuit of your financial goals. In this episode of the Wise Money Show, we break down 5 steps you can take within these 6 areas to help you regain control... more
Starting next year, there will be a new administration in the White House, which leaves a lot up in the air when it comes to the economy and fiscal policy. What adjustments should you be making to your financial plan to future-proof your finances? We're covering taxes, the markets, and the economy and helping you prote... more
Doing a Roth conversion can be an incredibly powerful financial strategy, allowing you to pay tax on some retirement funds now to have them grow tax-free for your future. However, that does not mean it always makes sense to do. From a tax planning perspective, we are sharing examples of times when you should not do a R... more
There are big changes coming to Medicare in 2025 thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. We are joined by Medicare and Health Insurance Expert Ben Bulgrien as he explains how these changes will impact your coverage options, costs, and out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees. We're helping you make informed decisions about ... more
We are diving into the SECURE Act 2.0, which was enacted nearly two years ago, and exploring the tax planning opportunities it presents. While many changes are still on the horizon, there are strategies you can implement now to enhance your tax situation. We are breaking down the key changes from the SECURE Act 2.0 an... more
What is your strategy for investing in your 401(k)? For most of us, your 401(k) is your most powerful wealth-building tool, so having a proper strategy for using it can truly make or break your retirement plan. In this episode, we share 401(k) strategies that are best in the early stages of your career, the middle of y... more
Are you prepared for the tax implications of retirement? Tax planning is one of the six areas of your financial life, and it's taking center stage today as we share our favorite pre-retirement and post-retirement tax strategies. In this episode of Wise Money, we dive deep into essential tax strategies that can shape yo... more
On your path toward a confident retirement, distractions could take you off course. To help you stay on target, we're sharing 6 myths about retirement to be aware of. From misconceptions about savings and Social Security to working in retirement, we break down the facts and provide you with the truth behind these myths... more
Are you making the most of your 529 plan? It is one of the most versatile tools to save up for college, and thanks to the new laws, the 529 plan has gotten more flexible and can be used in more situations. But with that versatility comes confusion, so in this episode of Wise Money, we are diving into 5 avoidable mistak... more
As you approach retirement, making smart investment choices is crucial for securing your financial future. This time period of your life is one where you still need growth but need to do so in a more risk-conscious way. So, which investment areas are the best fit for you? We're answering that question while exploring t... more
If you're looking to maximize your tax-advantaged retirement contributions, understanding how the Backdoor Roth IRA and the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA work is crucial. We are diving into when these strategies make sense to use, how they work, and how they differ so you can determine which one is best for your retirement sa... more
After nearly 5 years, the IRS has finally determined its interpretation of the new 10-year rule for inherited IRAs. Whether you're a beneficiary or planning your estate, we're breaking down the details of the 10-year rule and what it means for your financial future on this episode of Wise Money.Season 10 Episode 2Hav... more
What does it mean to be "wise" about your money? We're kicking off the 10th season of The Wise Money Show, and to do so, we're resetting the purpose and benefits of taking a comprehensive approach to your finances, looking at all 6 areas of your finances. All that and more on this episode of Wise Money.Season 10 Episo... more
What if we told you that the strategy and planning were only half of what helps you have financial success? In this episode, we go beyond the financial planning and take a look at how our beliefs and views can fuel our financial decisions. Financial Behavior Specialist Ashley Quamme takes us deeper than the numbers in ... more
The latest in financial scams that hackers are using to try and defraud you out of your hard-earned money. It is always prudent to be on guard for sophisticated scams and attacks. We're sharing the 3 most common financial scams you need to be on the lookout for in today's episode of Wise Money.Season 9 Episode 51Have... more
Choosing when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make in your life. The impact is far bigger than many realize, with the difference being potentially $100k or more over your lifetime. We're discussing the top reasons someone would draw Social Security early and the main reasons no... more