I discuss the current economic crisis resulting from the global coronavirus pandemic, and illustrate the important differences between today’s economic conditions and difficult times we’ve experienced previously. The collapse of 2008 was a financial crisis. Today we’re experiencing an economic crisis. Each has distinct characteristics, so I detail strategies needed to overcome the hardships that result. Plus, I share my buy, sell or hold recommendations and the benefits of a financial plan, especially now.
Program Length: 25 minutes
Significant volatility in the stock market continues amid the growing threat of coronavirus. Today, a laser-focused conversation to help individual investors gain perspective on current market conditions. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Psychologist, Dr. Frank Murtha, Ph.D., specialist in the field of behavioral finance. He’s the author of MarketPsych: How to Overcome Fear and Build Your Investor Identity, and co-founder of MarketPsych, a consulting firm to the financial industry specializing in analysis of investor psychology. Dr. Murtha, who has been featured on CNBC, National Public Radio, and The Nightly Business Report, joins us to discuss effective ways to calm anxiety and allay the fears most individual investors are currently experiencing due to the stock market’s extreme volatility.
Program Length: 25 minutes
During this special edition of the Your Life Your Wealth podcast, Cordasco Financial Network notes International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We do so with a focus on the work of a distinguished woman with a significant connection to the Philadelphia region. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski speak with Lisa Ertz Director of the Safety Alliance at the High School Football program at “Defend Your Head,” and mother to Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Lisa also has three other sons: a college baseball pitcher, a recent graduate of Cal-Berkeley, and a son whose college playing career was cut short by multiple concussions. As a mother possessing first-hand experience with the risks and rewards of playing football, Lisa has a unique and valuable perspective on the issues associated with the sport and the importance of making it safe for everyone who plays. John and Dennis spoke with Lisa during their recent visit to the 27th Annual Emerald Asset Management Ground Hog Day Investment Forum in Philadelphia.
Program Length: 14 minutes
During yet another volatile week on Wall Street, due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus, another story has garnered significant news coverage and has impacted the market almost as much. It was the political twists and turns surrounding the Democratic presidential primary both before and after this week’s so-called Super Tuesday. We’ve focused recent podcasts on the impact of the coronavirus on the stock market. This time, CFN’s John Walker discusses the impact elections, and the political party in power, have had on stock market performance. John’s historical look yields some interesting results you may not have expected.
Program Length: 17 minutes
There has been significant volatility in the equity markets during the past week, primarily in reaction to the global spread of the coronavirus. Ongoing news of the spread has caused market uncertainty. Markets are resilient, but fear of the unknown rattles investors’ nerves which promotes market volatility. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jabloloski are joined by Joe Cortese of the CFN investment team at DiMeo Schneider & Associates. They discuss the impact the growing threat of coronavirus could have on your portfolio and the importance of maintaining perspective and the long view.
Program Length: 20 minutes
Retail sales are a significant economic indicator. Consumer spending drives a huge part of our economy and helps move the markets, and consumer stocks do have a place in a diversified portfolio. In this episode the focus is on the current state of retail in brick-and-mortar locations and the impact of consistent growth in online retailing. The entire retail landscape continues to change and evolve rapidly with new technologies. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski talk with Stacey Sears, Small Cap Portfolio Manager at Emerald Asset Management and analyst in the consumer markets sector. Their conversation took place at Emerald Asset Management’s 27th Annual Ground Hog Day Investment Forum in Philadelphia.
Program Length: 15 minutes
It’s Valentine’s Day! A day, according to the greeting card and floral industries, to celebrate our love for the one closest to us. It’s also a day when we may think about various aspects of our relationships. Dealing with money, how it’s earned, how it’s spent and how it’s saved is an inescapable part of every couple’s existence, and statistics show that disagreements over money can cause the most stress in a relationship. Today, John Walker welcomes CFN colleagues Carolyn Brusilow, Ryan Flurer and Dennis Jablonoski for a round-table discussion. They share their experiences with money and relationships, and focus on ways to overcome differences about money with your significant other, whether it’s at home or in the financial planning process.
Program Length: 22 minutes
Information about the spread of Coronavirus is in the news every day and often affects the direction of the stock market. How much impact does news of the spreading virus have, and for how long does that impact last? CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski put the current Coronavirus reporting in perspective and take a historical look at the impact several previous viral outbreaks have had on short and long term market performance.
Program Length: 16 minutes
How much will you really need to save for a secure retirement and how much of an impact will your children have on your savings success? While you’re raising a family will you really be able save enough for retirement. Everyone’s situation is different of course, but recent stats show parents spend as much 40% of their income raising their children during the years from birth until the children are responsible for their own financial needs. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Desiree Reil and Brian Hillsberg. Each has a different personal experience and therefore a different perspective. They discuss ways having, or not having, children impacts your spending and your potential for saving for retirement. Their conversation will help you identify your priorities and your individual retirement needs based on your lifestyle.
Program Length: 14 minutes
How we handle our finances, our health and well-being, and just about everything we do, is largely within our control. We look ahead. We make plans. Then, the unexpected occurs. Today, I return to the Your Life Your Wealth podcast. I’m back to tell you about the health challenges I've experienced during the past six months. I share the invaluable first-hand lessons I’ve learned, which reinforce the essential need for all of us to prepare for the unexpected.
Program Length: 28 minutes
The stretch IRA, an estate planning strategy that extended the tax-deferred status of an inherited IRA passed to a beneficiary other than your spouse, has been eliminated with the recent passage of the SECURE Act. CFN’s John Walker is joined by CPAs Jim Tate and Tim Joseph to discuss the implications of the change and share important planning strategies that will help reduce the tax burden of the individual inheriting an IRA.
Program Length: 20 minutes
Recent military activity between the U.S. and Iran has rattled some investors nerves. Such events often result in overblown media coverage, but how the stock market reacts may surprise you. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski cover recent geopolitical events and put them in historical perspective. They discuss several crises dating back to World War II and the often unexpected ways markets have reacted.
Program Length: 16 minutes
Last year was a good year in the equity markets, but for some a positive experience could fade quickly into fear. Many investors brace for a so-called “payback time,” a period in which market gains may erode, or worse, be erased. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski remind us that there are several reasons why an up market, as we experienced in 2019, won’t necessarily be followed by a down market in 2020, and that solid planning remains our best option for success.
Program Length: 17 minutes
The habits we adopt in our lives, the things we do every day, are often indicative of the amount of personal and professional success we enjoy. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski discuss the habits of successful people and how good habits in various aspects of life can often translate into financial success.
Program Length: 24 minutes
As legislation resulting in the largest change to the retirement system in more than a decade becomes law, CFN’s John Walker and CPA Tim Joseph discuss the impact. They detail new rules regarding 401(k) offerings, required minimum distributions, age contribution limits, the stretch IRA, and more.
Program Length: 16 minutes
Now is the time to consider several last-minute tips that may benefit you for tax year 2019. John Walker and Cordasco Financial Network CPA Tim Joseph discuss several moves that may reduce your tax burden for this year.
Program Length: 26 minutes
CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski take a look at recent equity market performances and talk about how the growth in equities has likely moved your investment portfolio out of balance. They discuss several rebalancing strategies you need to consider to ensure that your portfolio accurately reflects your investment goals and your comfort level with the amount of risk you are taking with your investments.
Program Length: 19 minutes
The thought of having or maintaining debt often conjures up an image of financial trouble, but consider this, there’s good debt and there’s bad debt. CFN’s John Walker explains the differences and how each can impact your financial wellbeing.
Program Length:12 minutes
John Walker is joined by CFN Financial Planner Dennis Jablonoski and special in-studio guest Joe Cortese from our investment team at DiMeo Schneider and Associates. The discussion is centered on volatility in the markets, which may become the new normal. They discuss what individual investors should do, or not do, in reaction to current market conditions.
Program Length: 25 minutes
Cybersecurity and protecting ourselves from online fraud is the focus as CFN’s John Walker welcomes Anthony Mongeluzo, President of Philadelphia area based cybersecurity firm PCS. Anthony tells some amazing stories of cybersecurity breaches in business and personal matters that illustrate just how vulnerable we actually are. Later in the podcast, John welcomes Evan Salter, CFN’s client services specialist, and victim of identity theft. Evan shares lessons learned and some important tips to help keep all of us safe in cyberspace especially during the upcoming holiday season.
Program Length: 27 mins
As the markets continue to reach new heights, CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski take a historical look at the markets, talk about current market conditions and discuss the prudent approach long term investors should consider as the markets continue to rise.
Program Length: 19 minutes
One of the most often talked about issues for people heading toward retirement is social security. It seems that everyone has questions. It’s also a topic around which many misconceptions persist. To provide clarity around this important part of your retirement planning, CFN’s John Walker welcomes veteran Social Security Administration official and long-time syndicated columnist Tom Marginau. Tom writes exclusively on the subject of social security, has written a series of articles on social security myths. Later in the presentation, CFN’s Tim Joseph, CPA, stops by to discuss the benefits of working with financial planning professionals in determining the best course of action for you when dealing with your individual social security planning.
Program Length: 31 minutes
Keeping up with others in our social circles is among the top concerns of affluent investors. Whether it’s through social media or direct contact, we’re constantly exposed to things that others flaunt such as fabulous vacations, expensive new cars or picture perfect family gatherings. When we assess our own lives, it’s easy to understand how feelings of inadequacy manifest. John Walker explores the financial impact of trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” He’s joined by psychology professor Mary Pritchard from Boise State University, who has studied the emotional impact of comparing your wealth or success to others.
Program Length: 22 minutes
For most of us, as we head toward the busy holiday season our attention is on family and friends, and the time we’ll spend with those closest to us. There are however, many other important things to consider at this time including an assessment of our charitable giving for the year. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Dien Yuen, Assistant Professor of Philanthropy at the American College of Financial Services, an expert on charitable giving for families and charitable institutions. They discuss ways you can help others through donations designed to efficiently fit into your financial and tax planning strategies for the year. These include the benefits of appreciated stock donations, donation bunching, required minimum distribution donations, donor advised chartable funds and more.
Program Length: 28 minutes
In the news this week, several brokerage firms have started offering free online trading for U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds. That’s terrific, right? Not so fast! CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski discuss what you should think about before even considering any perceived benefits of free online trading. John and Dennis share many cautionary notes including the importance of recognizing the vast differences between executing a solid investment or retirement planning strategy, and being an online stock trader. Free online trading may cause you to make more impulsive financial moves, and also can have tax consequences you may not have considered.
Program Length: 14 minutes