The Financial Answer

The Money Questions Every Couple Needs To Discuss This Valentine’s Season

Valentine’s season is all about love, but let’s be honest, money plays a huge role in any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting out, financial stress can put a strain on even the strongest partnerships. So, how do you talk about money without killing the romance? In today’s episode, we’re looking at the questions every couple should ask about finances and retirement.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How can long-term couples keep financial peace and avoid ‘spender vs. saver’ battles?
How can you support your family without compromising your own retirement?
If you’ve kept separate finances for years, is it ever too late to merge money?
What’s the best way for couples to handle financial curveballs without turning money stress in marriage stress?
How can couples start the estate planning conversation without it feeling like a romance killer?
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?

The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy?
In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the backstory of tariffs- what they are, why governments impose them, and the historical context of them. We'll also break down the new tariffs that have been introduced, their potential impact on everyday people, and what you can do to navigate this shifting financial landscape.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What are tariffs and their historical context?
How will this impact the economy?
The potential benefits of tariffs
The overvaluation of the tech sector and the importance of diversification  
Wolf Street Article:
https://wolfstreet.com/2025/02/03/what-trumps-tariffs-did-last-time-2018-2019-had-no-impact-on-inflation-doubled-receipts-from-customs-duties-and-hit-stocks/
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Inflation-Proof Your Retirement In 2025

Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years and continues to be as we navigate through 2025. With rising prices affecting everything from healthcare to everyday expenses, its effect on long-term financial strategies is arguably more significant than ever. In this episode, we’ll explore how to adjust your retirement strategy to stay ahead.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How inflation in recent years has impacted retirement strategies and plans
The rate of inflation Nathan assumes when building a retirement plan in 2025
The types of investments or strategies that are most effective for combining inflation today
The importance of diversification in managing inflation risks
How to plan for inflation in the long term to protect your retirement lifestyle
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?

Brrr, it’s cold out there! Winter has a lot of people thinking about warmer weather. For some, that just means an annual vacation down south. But for certain retirees, they choose to live elsewhere through the brunt of winter, becoming “snowbirds.” Is snowbird life for you?
Join Nathan as he discusses the factors that drive people into the snowbird lifestyle, how remote work plays a role in doing this a little sooner than you might anticipate, where snowbirds are flocking to nowadays, and much more!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What drives people to become snowbirds?
The role of remote work
Where are snowbird retirees moving to?
Cost and other things to consider
How an advisor can help you reach your retirement goals
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

The Art of Rebalancing: WHEN to Adjust Your Portfolio and WHY

Is rebalancing your portfolio a December tradition, a January jumpstart, or something triggered by a big life event or even the economy? Let’s explore the when, why, and how of rebalancing.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is rebalancing and why it’s important.
How life events can trigger a need to rebalance your portfolio.
What is threshold rebalancing?
When market conditions can impact rebalancing.
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Most Americans Are Forced to Retire Early- Are You Ready?

Did you know most Americans retire earlier than planned? This is often due to unexpected health issues, job changes, or financial surprises. These challenges can force people out of work early, leaving them unprepared for decades of retirement.
In this episode, we’ll explore recent research highlighting the importance of planning for early retirement, even if it’s not in your current plans.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why do Americans retire earlier than planned?
What is the financial impact of early retirement?
How can you prepare for an unexpected retirement?
How can retirees find fulfillment despite financial challenges?
Resources for this episode:
Most Americans Have To Stop Working Earlier Article
https://www.aol.com/planning-retire-65-most-americans-080104599.html
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Financial Forecasting: A Post-Election Conversation

Election season has officially wrapped up, and with the results in, we now have a clearer picture of what the future may hold. In today’s episode, Nathan and Marc dive into several important topics that could be shaped by the new administration. Listen in as they discuss the potential extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, government spending and tariffs, and how the outcome of presidential elections can influence the market.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The possible extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Taking advantage of Roth conversions during this time
National deficit concerns and potential solutions
The market’s reaction to the election
Resources for this episode:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2024/11/17/trump-republican-win-low-tax-economy/76296530007/
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Don’t Blow Your Bonus! Smart Ways to Use a Lump Sum Payout

Whether you’re anticipating a year-end bonus this December, recently received an inheritance, or even won the lottery (hey, we’re all allowed to dream), figuring out what to do with a large financial windfall can feel overwhelming. No matter how you’ve come into this newfound wealth, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Don’t rush your decision. When things get emotional, it’s best to take a breath and slow down.
What are some of the smart options for putting this money to work?
Find some balance. You don’t need to save or invest every penny.
Some special considerations to keep in mind if you get a nice bonus this year.
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

Is Dividend Investing Dead?

Wondering if dividend investing is still the best approach for your retirement? Based on a recent article, we dive into what incidental income is and how it may change your strategy around dividends. Nathan talks about how it generates cash flow from portfolio turnover rather than relying solely on dividends. 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How incidental income compares to dividend investing.
The potential volatility of overfocusing on dividend stocks.
The tax implications of this strategy.
Read more: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4723299-incidental-income-makes-dividend-investing-unnecessary-in-retirement
Visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com 

How Current Economic Shifts Could Affect Your Retirement

The financial landscape is changing rapidly, and if you’re focused on retirement, these shifts can’t be ignored. In today’s episode, we break down the trends that will define the rest of 2024 and their implications for your retirement plan.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Nathan’s big getaway.
Market volatility and how much an election changes that.
Shifts in housing and the real estate market.
Changes in interest rates.
Consumer debt and how to make smarter decisions.
 
For more, visit us online: http://thefinancialanswer.com