THE GROWING RETIREMENT AGE GAP 

Steve is joined by Matt Rutledge, economist at The Center For Retirement Research at Boston College.  They discuss the reasons for a growing gap in the ages people retire and the surprising relationship between retirement age and education level.   

THE INVESTMENT FEE TAX BREAK BIDS FAREWELL

The tax benefits associated with the costs of obtaining financial advice have been eliminated.  Steve takes a close look at this provision of the new tax code, and how it impacts investors and financial professionals.  The politicians in Washington deserve the blame, but there might be a viable work-around. 

TARRIF TALK FUELS RISK AVERSION FOR SOME INVESTORS

Trade war fears have caused a flight to safety.  Some investors are moving away from equities in search of safer investments.  Steve discusses why a wait-and-see attitude may be best, and how the strength of the economy may overshadow the rhetoric.

Program Length: 50:19 

THE GROWING RETIREMENT AGE GAP 

Steve is joined by Matt Rutledge, economist at The Center For Retirement Research at Boston College.  They discuss the reasons for a growing gap in the ages people retire and the surprising relationship between retirement age and education level.   

Program length:  17:03

UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN IN RETIREMENT PLANNING

Steve and guest Catherine Collinson, CEO and President of the Transamerica Institute and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, discuss finding success through empowerment and practical solutions.

BOND MARKET PERSPECTIVES

Bonds are traditionally viewed as a stable investment, but they are now showing some signs of volatility.  Steve talks with a member of the CFN investment team as they discuss the role bonds play within a diversified investment portfolio.

FIXED ANNUITY FACTS

Annuities may offer comfort to some investors who have an aversion to market fluctuation.  Steve talks about the various types of annuities, and if they should be part of your overall investment plan. Steve highlights the differences between fixed, immediate and variable annuities.

COVERING THE COST OF HEALTHCARE 

The cost of healthcare is high and will continue to rise.  It’s estimated that a 65 year old couple retiring today will need about $280,000 to cover healthcare and medical expenses through retirement. Steve talks about how a variable annuity may help in covering some of those costs during retirement. 

SPEND, BUT HAVE A PLAN

Steve and Chris Gibbons, of the Cordasco Financial Network team talk about the fear of over-spending in retirement and the importance of uncovering spending priorities as you plan for those post-working years.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME

Steve discusses some of the factors you should consider before accepting social security payments.  Learn the facts about collecting at age 62, 70, or at your full retirement age.

YOUR INHERITANCE, SOONER OR LATER

 Steve talks wills and trusts, but also shares his findings that many parents and grandparents are getting great pleasure out of watching others enjoy what they’ve earned and shared, rather than just knowing they will be provided for after they’re gone.

LEGENDARY INVESTOR WARREN BUFFET’S TAKE ON BITCOIN 

One of America’s best known and most successful investors has a definitive opinion on bitcoin that may surprise you.  With Warren Buffet’s track record of success, many investors are listening carefully to what he has to say about the cryptocurrency craze.  Find out if he believes it's an investment or speculation?

GET RICH QUICK - STRATEGY OR A SCHEME 

Have you ever been sucked into a get rich quick sales pitch? Don’t be ashamed.  Some people are motivated to jump into “investments” that sound too good to be true, and others react with skepticism. Discover if you and your partner are of the same “money mind” when it comes to these so-called opportunities.    

MAKE RATIONAL, NOT EMOTIONAL MONEY DECISIONS 

Following your emotions regarding money and investing is never a good idea.  Learn how to avoid that costly mistake, particularly at a time of life when you have fewer years to recover. Be patient, choose wisely.  

Steve discusses the fear of going broke in retirement.  It impacts many, including those who have significant retirement savings.  Concern about over-spending can keep some retirees from enjoying the assets they have accumulated throughout their working life.  Steve discusses how good planning and the development of careful spending habits can alleviate this common fear and help retirees live their best life. 

Next, Steve takes an in-depth, two-segment look into work related retirement plans such as 401(k), 403 (b) and profit sharing pension plans.  Noting that many company plans are deficient in some critical areas, Steve offers specific action plans for employers and employees to make the company plan more advantageous for all who participate. 

Then, Steve talks about productive ways of opening a dialog between employers and employees regarding a company's retirement savings plan, and the many resources Cordasco Financial Network can provide. 

How much do you want the federal government involved in your retirement savings?  Steve discusses a recent survey showing how the majority of people want to either keep individual control of their retirement savings, or save for retirement through an employer sponsored plan.  He details the reasons government involvement should be limited to social security.   

Next, Steve talks about the fastest growing portion of the population who are getting divorced, those in or nearing retirement.  Since the 1990’s, divorce in the 50+ age group has doubled, and for those over 65, the divorce rate has tripled.  Steve analyzes the trend with a focus on how late-life divorce impacts  financial security in retirement. 

Then, Steve discusses a recent article published in a medical journal that says your financial health is important enough to be viewed as one of your vital signs.  The article documents the relationship between your wealth and your health.  Learn how big financial losses can impact your physical health and what you can do to protect yourself.  

And finally, Steve helps investors put stock market volatility in perspective with a detailed look at  the latest information posted to the resources section of our website called "First Quarter 2018 Knowledge College: Volatility in Perspective."  You can listen to the segment, then view further information online at www.cfnplan.com.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg testified in front of Congress this week about his company's controversial handling of personal data.  Steve talks with Anthony Mongeluzo, President of PCS, a managed IT service provider for an extended two-segment discussion about cybersecurity, including the security of online personal financial data.

Next, Ian Comisky, partner in the law firm of Fox Rothschild, joins Steve for his annual visit to talk taxes.  They discuss a wide range of tax related topics including some specific things that could trigger an IRS audit.

Then, Steve talks about how Cordasco Financial Network secures online and computer based financial information for clients. 

Politics and the economy take center stage as President Trump continues to talk tough on tariffs and international trade. Steve discusses how the President's new Chief Economic Adviser, Larry Kudlow, uses his communication skills to reduce public concern and ultimately calm jittery markets. 

Next, Steve discusses ways to prepare for a bear market, including how to deal with the media hype and how to avoid making emotional investment decisions.  Steve also talks about finding the right asset mix of stocks, bonds, and appropriate cash reserves.

Then, Steve discusses the hidden threat of lawsuits.  It's a growing trend and more common than many believe. Steve looks at specific examples that may put you at risk, and how best to protect yourself and your wealth through liability insurance. Steve details why managing risk is an important part of overall financial planning.

Finally, Steve goes full circle on the recent Larry Kudlow media interviews with some interesting audio of Larry being somewhat challenged by his old friend, Fox Business host Neil Cavuto. 

Steve begins with a look at various types of retirement.  He discusses ways you can determine what's best for you, and how to develop an investment plan for each alternative.  

 

Next, Steve talks about the importance of having life insurance and how it fits into an overall financial plan. He also shares ways to determine just how much life insurance someone should have.

 

Then, Steve and our investment team discuss the current market volatility including some specific sectors that have been hardest hit.

 

Finally, Steve and the investment team discuss current trends in the bond market and compare investing in bond funds to purchasing individual bonds.

The federal reserve increased its benchmark overnight lending rate this week.  Steve discusses the fed's motivation for the move and what impact a rate hike has on the markets, inflation, and the economy.  Steve also discusses the central bank's plans for additional rate increases during the remainder of this year along with their projection for 2019.

Next, Chris Gibbons of the Cordasco Financial Network team discusses the impact of tariffs on international trade, then delves into the many reasons for optimism about the future of our economy.

Then, CFN's John Walker and Jim Tate CPA team up to host an informative segment on tax optimization and tax planning.  They discuss several tax related financial planning issues that deserve attention during tax season, and throughout the entire year.  They also discuss several noteworthy tax law changes occurring in 2018.  

Larry Kudlow has been asked by President Trump to become his next Chief Economic Adviser.  Steve hosted Larry Kudlow here in Philadelphia last year.  Previously, Steve had two opportunities to speak with him at length on the program.  In this segment, Larry talks about his economic philosophies, and his earlier work with Donald Trump as a candidate and as president.    

Next, we head back into the vault to present an in-depth interview Steve did with Larry Kudlow at the time of the release of Larry's best selling book "JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity." Steve's discussion with Larry Kudlow is historical in nature, but considering Larry's new position with the Trump administration it has ties directly to today's economic issues.

Then, Steve talks about "your money mind" and ways to determine if you're financially and emotionally ready for retirement, and how best to transition into that phase of life.

Steve talks with CFN’s investment team in this extended two-segment discussion. They discuss the impact of President Trump's call for tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.  Some economists fear it may trigger a trade war causing inflation that will slow U.S. economic growth.  Steve explains how inflation has a positive effect on some, while having the opposite effect on those in or nearing retirement. They also discuss investments that are effective during inflationary times.

 Then, Steve talks about this week's resignation of President Trump's chief economic adviser Gary Cohn. Steve includes audio clips of past discussions with economic analyst Larry Kudlow, as Kudlow may be tapped by the president to replace Gary Cohn.  Steve discusses several philosophical differences between Kudlow and President Trump and how they could overcome those disparities if they were to work together.

Steve wraps up the show with a look at the impact of a potential trade war involving China and talks more about the potential impact of inflation.

Steve begins with a look at how the spending habits developed during the wealth accumulation years may affect individuals in retirement. He discusses how care free spending, which is well within our control, can derail a well planned retirement. Steve also talks about "the spending challenge" and how it can give us a better understanding of how we use our disposable income.

After a lifetime of work, people need to determine how financially ready they are for the transition into retirement. Steve discusses how leaving work life, and a reliable earned income behind, can cause anxiety. Steve details ways good planning and an understanding of "your money mind" can help you live your best life.

Then Steve discusses how the relative strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar impacts the economy. He talks about why the Trump administration may be embracing a weaker U.S. dollar policy and why some economists believe this may not be the best course of action.

News of inflation and the potential for rising interest rates are getting a lot of attention. Steve begins with a discussion on the recent activities of the Federal Reserve and how moves by the nation's central bank affect our economy. Steve focuses particular attention on those in, or planning for, retirement.

Then, Tim Joseph, CPA with Cordasco Financial Network, joins Steve for a comprehensive discussion on tax planning. During this extended session, they talk about specific changes in the 2018 tax laws and the importance of having a sound tax strategy while planning for retirement.

Steve wraps things up by discussing the Cordasco Financial Network team approach, and ways CFN can help address the issues discussed on today's program.

First, Steve talks with Altan Wuliji, Consultant with CFN’s investment team at DiMeo Schneider & Associates.  They take a look at the causes of this past week’s market volatility.  The key word to remember is...perspective.  How the numbers actually impacted your portfolio and what can be done to manage your anxiety. 

Next, Steve takes an even deeper dive into stock and bond markets volatility.  The news media seems preoccupied with negative financial news.  Often market moves are presented as a disaster in the making.  Steve tamps down the hysteria with a clear and rational look at the facts to counteract investors’ fears.

Last, find out how to pick a financial advisor and organize the priorities that are important to you. You won’t want to miss Steve’s checklist on how to find the right advisor for you.

To start the show, Steve is joined by former football player for the Philadelphia Eagles Dennis Franks. Dennis will open up about the difficult transition out of football to business, and how he reinvented himself. Learn how he found his own success and how his insight can help you and your retirement planning. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive Eagles forecast for the big game this weekend!

Last, what is the best measurement system when it comes to your investment returns? Steve will walk you through how to create your own personal benchmark to help reduce your investment performance stress.