ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS:  KNOW THE VALUE OF WHAT YOU OWN

Learn what every business owner needs to know about the value of their company.  Steve talks with Michael Carter, President and CEO of BizEquity, the world's largest provider of business valuations.

Program Length 15:38

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.