Cordasco Financial Network Relationship Advisor John Walker is with me to discuss ways to deal with the anxiety some investors experience in a volatile market. We discuss the importance of education, clarity, and direction necessary to weather any market condition.
Program Length:19 minutes
Midterms & The Markets
Joe Cortese of the Cordasco Financial Network investment team joins me. We discuss the potential results of the midterm elections, and how those results, combined with the tone of media coverage, could effect our already volatile markets.
Program Length: 15 minutes
Retirement Decisions
Determining the right time to retire and knowing what your retirement will look like can be complicated. I discuss how education, clarity and support can help you make good decisions for this important chapter of your life.
Program Length: 25 minutes
Too Big To Fail
I’m joined by James Freeman, author of Borrowed Time: Two Centuries of Booms, Busts and Bailouts at Citi, a book about one of the largest financial institutions in the world. We discuss the role Citi Group played in the 2008 financial crisis and how it became a “too big to fail” institution. We also talk about the Federal Reserve’s history and recent Fed criticism by President Trump.
Program Length: 31 minutes
YOUR IRA PRIMER
IRA's are an important tool used in retirement planning. I discuss the differences between traditional and Roth IRA’s, and the key benefits of each. I’ll also detail the need to keep IRA beneficiary designations up-to-date. Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common mistakes one can make!
Program Length: 14 minutes
STOCK MARKET FUNDAMENTALS
I take a deeper look at the fundamentals and discuss reasons markets experience sell-offs. I describe the CFN strategy in dealing with these fluctuations, ways to help overcome fear in the markets, and an approach for maintaining confidence when managing money for those in, or near, retirement.
Program Length: 9 minutes
CASH & COUNSELING PROGRAM: CARING FOR AGING LOVED ONES
Americans are living longer and for many of us our retirement years may be lengthier than anticipated. For some, money runs out, and family members must pitch in and provide care. I discuss long-term care insurance options, and a little known program offering financial help for family members caring for a loved one.
Program Length: 19 minutes
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Cordasco Financial Network CPA Tim Joseph joins me to discuss REITs and how ownership of REITs differs from owning brick and mortar real estate. We also cover the new 2018 IRS rules that offer tax advantages for REIT ownership.
Program Length: 16 minutes
FROM THE LISTENER MAILBAG
A 55-year-old listener submitted that question to AskSteve@CFNPlan.com. She writes, “How would I survive a market crash as I approach my retirement years?” I offer some perspective and discuss a variety of investment options that may be helpful should we experience a market crash or a major correction. We also will cover what an insurance or annuity “stress-test” is and how you can get your portfolio tested here at CFN. Our stress test will help show how your portfolio would fare in the event of a market crash. Do you want your question to be featured on the radio show? You can email us if you have questions or comments to AskSteve@CFNPlan.com
Program Length: 6 minutes
THE HEALTH OF OUR ECONOMY
Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, announced another interest rate hike this week. I’m joined by Adam Newell, a member of the CFN investment team, to discuss the expected impact of the rate hike. Additionally, we speak about inflation, tariffs and general economic conditions as we enter the final quarter of the year.
Program Length: 27 minutes
ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Estate Attorney Nancy Rice of Rice Elder Law joins me to discuss why estate planning is a key component of every financial plan. We discuss estate taxes, the importance of selecting an appropriate executor, and the need for careful organization of financial data.
Program Length: 15 minutes
NEW ELECTRONICS THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR “MOST WANTED” LIST
I talk with Anthony Mongeluzo, President of PCS, an IT services and solutions company. We discuss the new iPhones and Watches from Apple. Many of the products offer advancements that are particularly useful for older adults. The new Apple Watch features auto work-out detection, heart monitoring functions, the ability to perform an EKG, and the ability to detect a fall with automatic notification of emergency services.
Program Length: 14 minutes
HOW MUCH WILL YOU SPEND EACH YEAR IN RETIREMENT?
The biggest fear many retirees have is running out of money. To address this major concern, I analyze a new study published in the Wall Street Journal which helps determine how much money you may need each year of your retirement. I also discuss why it's necessary to go beyond the numbers to best understand what is really important to you in your retired years.
Program Length 21 minutes
A CONVERSATION WITH P. J. O’ROURKE
I traveled to an event at the CATO Institute in New York City and had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite authors, P. J. O’Rourke. He’s a political satirist, journalist, and the author of 19 books, including his latest “None of My Business: P. J. Explains Money, Banking, Debt, Equity, Assets, Liabilities, and Why He’s Not Rich and Neither Are You.” During our wide-ranging discussion we cover his book, his assessment of the Trump economy, his take on millennials, and the true value of a college education.
Program Length: 21 minutes
HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE
A recent behavioral survey of self-made millionaires identifies several similar habits. Join me to learn the practical benefits of these lifestyle habits.
Program Length: 13 minutes
PRESIDENT TRUMP SEEKS TO IMPROVE RETIREMENT SECURITY FOR ALL AMERICAN WORKERS
President Trump has issued an executive order to relax some rules that govern retirement accounts and minimum required distributions in the near future. His stated goal is to strengthen retirement security for American workers and expand access to workplace retirement savings plans. He wants to make it easier for small businesses to join together to offer retirement plans which may be only available to employees of larger companies. To discuss the intended result of President Trump’s order, I’m joined by Jim Tate and Tim Joseph, both CPAs, Wealth Advisors and Tax Specialists at Cordasco Financial Network.
Program Length: 19 minutes
AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE SKYROCKETING COSTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher education is essential in preparing young people for bright futures. The rapidly increasing cost of a college education is a growing concern. Some students will take on large amounts of debt. Many parents and grandparents will help pay for a college education, but often to the detriment of their own future financial security. There are other options, such as a military path to pay for higher education. In this extended interview, I speak with Retired Army Major General Walter T. Lord, South Philadelphia native and President of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, located in Radnor, PA. We discuss General Lord’s own personal story of higher education at VFMAC and detail the personal and professional benefits of a military education, which include scholarships to help cover education costs.
Program Length: 29 minutes
ANNUITIES: INVESTMENT OR INSURANCE?
I’m joined by Cordasco Financial Network’s Ryan Flurer. Ryan, a CFN Financial Planner, has extensive knowledge after years of experience in the insurance space. We discuss fixed, variable, immediate, deferred and indexed annuities to help determine what type may be appropriate for you.
Program Length: 12 minutes
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ECONOMIC WARFARE
Throughout history tariffs have been used as an effective economic tool to protect American workers and business owners, but in many cases were short-lived. Political columnist and author, Michael Walsh, joins me to discuss President Trump’s use of tariffs in economic warfare to strategically pursue American interests.
Program Length: 15:29
NEW TAXES ON VACATION HOME RENTALS IN NEW JERSEY
I’m joined by Cordasco Financial Network in-house CPAs Jim Tate and Tim Joseph. We explain new taxes that directly impact vacation property owners and renters who use websites to connect for short-term seasonal rentals. Starting in October these new taxes, totaling more than 11%, will be paid by the renters.
Program Length 25 minutes
Tariffs and threats of a global trade war impact the health of our economy. I’m joined by Dennis Jablonoski, Financial Planner and Retirement Plan Specialist with Cordasco Financial Network. We discuss how recent economic news may affect asset allocation.
MAKE MEMORIES: TRAVEL WITH FAMILY
A recent survey found that the number one reason Americans are saving today isn’t for college, a home purchase, or even for retirement. Most Americans are saving for a vacation! I discuss family vacation options and how family vacations create a lifetime of memories.
Program Length: 14 minutes
COVERING THE COST OF PARENTAL LEAVE
Some D.C. politicians have cooked up a new idea on how to fund the cost of parental leave for employees that won’t create another taxpayer funded entitlement. I will fill you in on the details of the plan that includes early use of your social security money and a later retirement age.
Program Length: 6:18