This week, the story of the astronomical rise in share price of GameStop, as well as a handful of other companies in decline, caught nearly everyone’s attention.  As a good David vs. Goliath story usually does. Share prices were driven up by small individual investors using the social media platform called Reddit.  It was an organized effort that resulted in many large hedge fund managers, who had shorted these companies, to experience significant losses as their stock values skyrocketed.  CFN’s John Walker is joined by Larry Shaw from the CFN Investment Committee and Financial Planner and CFN technology manager Ryan Flurer. They discuss what happened, why it is significant, how the technology was used and what future implications this kind of activity may, or may not, have on investors like you.

Listening Time: 28 minutes

For many Americans, social security will be an integral part of retirement cash flow. We’ve paid into the system all of our working lives and we expect to collect our benefits. In order to make that happen, a sound social security strategy is essential for all of us entering our retirement years.  Determining the best age to begin taking benefits, understanding the tax implications for your unique situation, and many other factors go into making the best social security decisions. Cordasco Financial Network CPA Tim Joseph and Financial Planner Ryan Flurer share information you need to know to maximize your social security benefits and they discuss the CFN tools they use to help in the process.

Listening Time: 20 minutes

Today, Steve is joined by Chartered Financial Analyst and Market Strategist Stephen Proffer of the Investment Team at Cordasco Financial Network.  They discuss our recently released report 2021 Outlook: Poised for Growth. Their discussion is centered around the direction stocks and bonds may take during 2021 given our current and expected economic conditions. They also discuss the often-asked question about the appropriateness of cryptocurrencies in an average investor’s portfolio. To view the full report, click here.   

In this week’s podcast, Steve discusses why it’s important to understand and embrace the reality that there are many aspects of our financial lives we simply cannot control. For example, the direction of the financial markets, or the degree to which we will be impacted by tax increases aren’t things we can influence. Therefore, our efforts and attention need to be focused on those things we can control. Steve explains several strategic financial moves to help us be prepared, and lessen any potential negative impact from things outside of our control.  

Listening Time:18 minutes