Helping others by giving to charity has a positive impact on the recipient, and also offers the donor many benefits. We get personal satisfaction by helping those less fortunate, while at the same time we can benefit from the tax advantages of charitable giving. CFN’s John Walker and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss a variety of strategies that can help your donations go further for the causes you support, and present a win-win by helping you benefit from the tax advantages of charitable giving.
Listening Time: 20 minutes
Economic conditions in China and investing in emerging markets are among the issues discussed as Steve is joined by internationally known investor and commentator Jim Rogers. Also well known for his media appearances, Jim Rogers was the co-founder of the Quantum Fund, Soros Fund Management and the Rogers International Commodities Index. He’s a close observer of economic conditions in China, and joins Steve from his home in Singapore.
Listening Time: 16 minutes
Steve discusses inflation, the markets, demographics and the new tax proposals. We also hear insightful comments from Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of the investment management firm Ark Invest, made at this week’s global leadership SALT Conference in New York. Additionally, Steve offers his perspective on the views expressed by Cathie Wood, inflation, the markets, demographics and the new tax proposals that are among the most significant issues currently on the minds of investors and retirees.
Listening Time: 25 minutes
It’s been 20 years since America was attacked in a way none of us could have ever imagined. September 11, 2001, the day four hijacked passenger planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and an open field in Shanksville, PA, was a day that changed our world. Memories of 9/11 can never be forgotten. We all remember where we were and how we felt the moment we heard the news. In this special edition podcast, Steve Cordasco, and several members of the CFN team, share their personal memories of 9/11.
Listening Time: 35 minutes
When it comes to your kids, is it smarter to pay for college or fund your retirement? The cost of higher education continues to rise at a staggering rate. It places college out of reach for some families and may cause parents to take on an inordinate amount of debt. Recent statistics show that a large percentage of parents contemplating retirement are delaying those plans in order to pay the college tuition or debt of their children. Today, CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski welcome Neetu Arnold, a researcher at the National Association of Scholars who’s authored a study looking into how much we’re paying for college and where all that money goes. The choice to pay for college or fund your retirement is not an easy one. However, John and Dennis outline strategies to help you cope with the high cost of higher education as you face the prospect of saving for your own retirement.
Listening Time: 27 minutes
A Roth IRA conversion offers certain tax advantages if you expect your future tax rate to be higher at the time you plan to withdraw money from your retirement accounts. A Roth IRA allows for tax-free withdrawals of qualified distributions, but there are pitfalls you need to know. CFN’s John Walker and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss the ins and outs of Roth conversions and help you determine if you’re a good candidate for this retirement planning strategy.
Listening Time: 22 minutes
The work of the Investment Committee at Cordasco Financial Network is an integral part of the retirement planning process. The committee’s efforts, which take place on a daily basis, are a key component of portfolio construction at CFN. Investment Committee members Dennis Jablonoski and Larry Shaw join today’s host Ryan Flurer for a peek behind the scenes in creating a well-diversified portfolio. They also address emerging market concerns involving investments in China.
Listening Time: 23 minutes
Tolerance of market volatility is quite different than tolerance of risk, however investors often confuse them. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski clearly define each, and help us understand why we need to know the difference. They also discuss the importance of knowing the level of risk you are willing to tolerate as compared to the level of risk your portfolio can withstand in order to meet your objectives.
Listening Time: 22 minutes
Recently, factors like inflation, the Delta variant, and low interest rates have been weighing on people’s minds. To address this, I hosted institutional money manager and member of our investment team, Joe Cortese, to shed light on the investment implications of the aforementioned market risks.
Listening Time: 54 minutes
Defined Benefit Plans for small business owners represent the largest yearly retirement plan contribution option available, and likely present a significant tax savings opportunity. Steve Cordasco and CFN’s Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss Defined Benefit Plans with guest Philip Pirio, Senior Design Consultant with Dedicated Defined Benefit Services. They discuss important details of Defined Benefit Plans and the roles financial planners, CPAs, and plan administrators have in designing and implementing this often overlooked retirement plan option for small business owners.
Listening Time: 30 minutes
Unfortunately, people in retirement often miss tax-savings opportunities that are readily available. Retirees like you need to pay close attention to your tax situation because the money you’ve saved must last the rest of your life. Missing out on important tax-saving strategies can take a bite out of your nest egg and negatively impact your quality of life during your retirement years. To provide help, CFN’s John Walker and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss the most overlooked tax breaks for retirees.
Listening Time: 24 minutes
Sometimes the most uncomfortable conversations are the ones most necessary. Today, as we reach a milestone, the 300th episode of the Your Life Your Wealth podcast, CFN’s John Walker and Ryan Flurer discuss the important issue of paying for long term care. There’s a more than 8 in 10 chance you or a loved one will experience late life cognitive or physical decline that will require support from a caregiver other than a family member. John and Ryan discuss the high cost of long term care and what insurance options exist to help offset what could be a financially draining expense.
Listening Time: 23 minutes
Retirees should consider focusing on generating cash flow instead of chasing ever-shrinking income sources in today’s low interest rate environment. CFN’s John Walker and Jim Tate, CPA, discuss the differences in managing income versus cash flow. A good cash flow strategy includes social security, annuity payments, dividends and other sources to cover living expenses for those in retirement. John and Jim offer practical cash flow planning tips, including tax related information that should not be overlooked.
Listening Time: 25 minutes
As we save for our retirement many of us will face financial threats along the way. The money decisions we make, and how we address the financial challenges we may face, could make the difference between financial security or insecurity during our retired years. CFN’s Dennis Jablonoski and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss several significant savings threats and share strategies for avoiding these pitfalls.
Listening Time: 24 minutes
The cybersecurity threats we face continue to increase in frequency and sophistication. The threats present significant risk to individuals, and an even more critical risk to business owners, particularly those involved in financial transactions and online commerce. Today, CFN’s Technology and Data Manager, Ryan Flurer, sits in for Steve and is joined by cybersecurity expert Anthony Mongeluzo, President of PCS, an IT and computer support services consulting company. Anthony details the myriad of threats we face and offers some practical suggestions to help reduce your online security vulnerabilities.
Listening Time: 24 minutes
This year’s summer travel season has arrived with a vengeance. After 2020’s pandemic driven stay-at-home summer, there’s pent up demand with folks clamoring to book their getaways. As travel demand surges, prices are rising. Today, CFN’s Dennis Jablonoski and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss several unique ways to help you save money on this year’s travel plans.
Listening Time: 19 minutes
There are numerous benefits of state-sponsored 529 plans. The reality is that too many investors with the intention of helping a future student aren’t aware of the tax savings and other advantages they offer. Today, CFN’s John Walker and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss how 529 plans have evolved over the years becoming increasingly more flexible and advantageous for the saver and the student.
Listening Time: 21 minutes
In recent weeks, many Your Life Your Wealth listeners have asked questions and expressed concerns about inflation and its impact on the future well-being of our economy and on their personal finances. Today, Steve discusses inflation and its relationship to both the post-pandemic reopening of our economy and the massive government spending legislation. He offers his perspective on the possible duration of these inflationary times and how appropriate government spending can bolster our economic future.
Listening Time: 17 minutes
The most common workplace retirement savings plan is the 401k. Aside from the value of your home, it’s likely your largest asset. A surprising number of 401k savers view this money as an accessible pre-retirement emergency fund should a costly and unexpected expenditure arise. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski sit in for Steve Cordasco today and discuss maintaining 401k plan integrity, and why borrowing from a 401k is usually a bad idea. They also share what business owners and 401k plan managers can do to reduce what is often called plan leakage, employee 401k loans, withdrawals, or cash-outs.
Listening Time: 20 minutes
Most couples look forward to their retired years together. But, what happens if you and your partner have different views of what life in retirement should actually be? What if you disagree on finances, family or living arrangements? Steve discusses strategies to help the nearly 50% of couples who admit experiencing conflict and making mistakes relating to money when planning for, or living in, retirement.
Listening Time: 26 minutes
If you consumed any news this past week, the word most frequently heard or read was "inflation." The media’s near-obsession stemmed from the release of higher than expected Consumer Price Index figures. We don’t like seeing those higher numbers, and for some they stoke fears of run-away inflation as happened in decades past. Today, CFN’s John Walker welcomes Joe Cortese, senior consultant at Fiducient (formerly known as DiMeo Schneider) and member of the CFN Investment Team. Joe provides important context to what we’re seeing in the market and outlines an appropriate course of action to take.
Listening Time: 21 minutes
Ian Comisky, partner in the law firm of Fox Rothschild, author and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania joins today’s podcast. Ian is with us each year at this time to discuss new tax law, forthcoming federal regulations and IRS enforcement.
Listening Time: 21 minutes
Among the effects of the pandemic are adjustments many of us are experiencing at work. As workforce needs change, some employers are finding it necessary to reduce staff and are offering early exit packages to employees nearing retirement age. Cordasco Financial Network CPA’s Tim Joseph and Jim Tate co-host today’s podcast and discuss the many important financial and tax considerations necessary to properly evaluate an early retirement offer.
Listening Time: 15 minutes
As the federal government looks for ways to increase revenue, estate tax laws will soon change. Senator Bernie Sanders has formally proposed a bill, supported by President Biden, called “For The 99.5% Act.” The changes will significantly increase the amount of tax due, based on the value of your estate. Today, Steve presents a call-to-action. He discusses the proposal and several planning moves you should consider prior to the new tax laws taking effect.
Listening Time: 22 minutes
New Jersey recently enacted legislation that requires business owners, who do not offer employees a qualified retirement plan and who have 25 or more employees, to automatically enroll those employees in the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program. New Jersey is one of ten states to enact the legislation, more are sure to follow. Steve is joined by Retirement Plan Specialist, Dennis Jablonoski, CRPS, to discuss the merits of this mandatory program and some deficiencies both employers and employees may realize once these plans are operational.
Listening Time: 22 mins