It’s difficult not to think about the possibility that family members you provide for may need financial protection should you die during this or any health crisis.  If you were gone, how would your spouse pay the mortgage? How would your children’s education be funded? John Walker is joined by fellow CFN team members Desiree Reil and Ryan Flurer to discuss life insurance and other guaranteed benefit investment options that should be considered, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Program Length: 19 minutes

Today, a look under the hood at what Team Cordasco is doing day-to-day during the current economic crisis. I detail several of the timely investment strategies we’re currently executing including tax loss harvesting, portfolio rebalancing, managing the temporary suspension of required minimum distributions, IRA conversions, advanced estate planning and more.  

Program Length: 29 minutes

I welcome back to the Your Life Your Wealth podcast, Joe Cortese, our CFN investment partner at DiMeo Schneider & Associates.  Following our recent webcast on process and investment strategy amidst the ongoing Covid-19 battle, we answer your questions on a variety of issues including diversification, pension solvency, municipal bond investing, market volatility, precious metal investing and more.

Program Length: 26 minutes

As the covid-19 pandemic continues, the federal government has initiated significant financial assistance for business owners. I welcome Mike Gillen, CPA, Director of the Tax Accounting Group at the Philadelphia law firm of Duane Morris, to today’s podcast. We give clarity to and discuss specific details of the various programs of the CARES Act. We also review several new government programs designed to help business owners, sole proprietors and independent contractors survive the current economic crisis.

Program Length: 27 minutes

Large and small non-essential businesses remain closed as the spread of coronavirus continues. This dire health crisis has created an economic crisis and the federal government has stepped in with a massive stimulus package to help us navigate these uncharted waters. On today’s Your Life Your Wealth podcast, I’m joined by Bob Simpson, CPA and partner, along with Kristen McCabe, CPA manager, from the accounting firm of Brinker Simpson. We’ll help you gain clarity on the financial relief available to business owners and employees under the CARES Act. We discuss the Paycheck Protection Program from the SBA, the extended unemployment program for displaced workers, direct payment stimulus for individual taxpayers and much more.

*Podcast # 230 was recorded using cellular technology to abide by CDC social distancing guidelines.

Program Length: 22 minutes

I discuss the current economic crisis resulting from the global coronavirus pandemic, and illustrate the important differences between today’s economic conditions and difficult times we’ve experienced previously. The collapse of 2008 was a financial crisis. Today we’re experiencing an economic crisis. Each has distinct characteristics, so I detail strategies needed to overcome the hardships that result. Plus, I share my buy, sell or hold recommendations and the benefits of a financial plan, especially now.

Program Length: 25 minutes

Significant volatility in the stock market continues amid the growing threat of coronavirus. Today, a laser-focused conversation to help individual investors gain perspective on current market conditions. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Psychologist, Dr. Frank Murtha, Ph.D., specialist in the field of behavioral finance.  He’s the author of MarketPsych: How to Overcome Fear and Build Your Investor Identity, and co-founder of MarketPsych, a consulting firm to the financial industry specializing in analysis of investor psychology. Dr. Murtha, who has been featured on CNBC, National Public Radio, and The Nightly Business Report, joins us to discuss effective ways to calm anxiety and allay the fears most individual investors are currently experiencing due to the stock market’s extreme volatility.

Program Length: 25 minutes

During this special edition of the Your Life Your Wealth podcast, Cordasco Financial Network notes International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We do so with a focus on the work of a distinguished woman with a significant connection to the Philadelphia region. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski speak with Lisa Ertz Director of the Safety Alliance at the High School Football program at “Defend Your Head,” and mother to Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.  Lisa also has three other sons: a college baseball pitcher, a recent graduate of Cal-Berkeley, and a son whose college playing career was cut short by multiple concussions. As a mother possessing first-hand experience with the risks and rewards of playing football, Lisa has a unique and valuable perspective on the issues associated with the sport and the importance of making it safe for everyone who plays. John and Dennis spoke with Lisa during their recent visit to the 27th Annual Emerald Asset Management Ground Hog Day Investment Forum in Philadelphia.

Program Length: 14 minutes

During yet another volatile week on Wall Street, due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus, another story has garnered significant news coverage and has impacted the market almost as much. It was the political twists and turns surrounding the Democratic presidential primary both before and after this week’s so-called Super Tuesday. We’ve focused recent podcasts on the impact of the coronavirus on the stock market.  This time, CFN’s John Walker discusses the impact elections, and the political party in power, have had on stock market performance.  John’s historical look yields some interesting results you may not have expected.

There has been significant volatility in the equity markets during the past week, primarily in reaction to the global spread of the coronavirus. Ongoing news of the spread has caused market uncertainty. Markets are resilient, but fear of the unknown rattles investors’ nerves which promotes market volatility. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jabloloski are joined by Joe Cortese of the CFN investment team at DiMeo Schneider & Associates. They discuss the impact the growing threat of coronavirus could have on your portfolio and the importance of maintaining perspective and the long view.

Program Length: 20 minutes

Retail sales are a significant economic indicator.  Consumer spending drives a huge part of our economy and helps move the markets, and consumer stocks do have a place in a diversified portfolio. In this episode the focus is on the current state of retail in brick-and-mortar locations and the impact of consistent growth in online retailing. The entire retail landscape continues to change and evolve rapidly with new technologies. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski talk with Stacey Sears, Small Cap Portfolio Manager at Emerald Asset Management and analyst in the consumer markets sector. Their conversation took place at Emerald Asset Management’s 27th Annual Ground Hog Day Investment Forum in Philadelphia.

Program Length: 15 minutes

It’s Valentine’s Day! A day, according to the greeting card and floral industries, to celebrate our love for the one closest to us. It’s also a day when we may think about various aspects of our relationships. Dealing with money, how it’s earned, how it’s spent and how it’s saved is an inescapable part of every couple’s existence, and statistics show that disagreements over money can cause the most stress in a relationship. Today, John Walker welcomes CFN colleagues Carolyn Brusilow, Ryan Flurer and Dennis Jablonoski for a round-table discussion. They share their experiences with money and relationships, and focus on ways to overcome differences about money with your significant other, whether it’s at home or in the financial planning process.

Program Length: 22 minutes

Information about the spread of Coronavirus is in the news every day and often affects the direction of the stock market. How much impact does news of the spreading virus have, and for how long does that impact last? CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski put the current Coronavirus reporting in perspective and take a historical look at the impact several previous viral outbreaks have had on short and long term market performance.

Program Length: 16 minutes

How much will you really need to save for a secure retirement and how much of an impact will your children have on your savings success?  While you’re raising a family will you really be able save enough for retirement. Everyone’s situation is different of course, but recent stats show parents spend as much 40% of their income raising their children during the years from birth until the children are responsible for their own financial needs. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Desiree Reil and Brian Hillsberg. Each has a different personal experience and therefore a different perspective. They discuss ways having, or not having, children impacts your spending and your potential for saving for retirement. Their conversation will help you identify your priorities and your individual retirement needs based on your lifestyle.

Program Length: 14 minutes

How we handle our finances, our health and well-being, and just about everything we do, is largely within our control. We look ahead. We make plans. Then, the unexpected occurs. Today, I return to the Your Life Your Wealth podcast. I’m back to tell you about the health challenges I've experienced during the past six months. I share the invaluable first-hand lessons I’ve learned, which reinforce the essential need for all of us to prepare for the unexpected.

Program Length: 28 minutes

The stretch IRA, an estate planning strategy that extended the tax-deferred status of an inherited IRA passed to a beneficiary other than your spouse, has been eliminated with the recent passage of the SECURE Act. CFN’s John Walker is joined by CPAs Jim Tate and Tim Joseph to discuss the implications of the change and share important planning strategies that will help reduce the tax burden of the individual inheriting an IRA.  

Program Length: 20 minutes

Recent military activity between the U.S. and Iran has rattled some investors nerves. Such events often result in overblown media coverage, but how the stock market reacts may surprise you. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski cover recent geopolitical events and put them in historical perspective. They discuss several crises dating back to World War II and the often unexpected ways markets have reacted.

Program Length: 16 minutes

Last year was a good year in the equity markets, but for some a positive experience could fade quickly into fear. Many investors brace for a so-called “payback time,” a period in which market gains may erode, or worse, be erased. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski remind us that there are several reasons why an up market, as we experienced in 2019, won’t necessarily be followed by a down market in 2020, and that solid planning remains our best option for success.

Program Length: 17 minutes

The habits we adopt in our lives, the things we do every day, are often indicative of the amount of personal and professional success we enjoy. CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski discuss the habits of successful people and how good habits in various aspects of life can often translate into financial success.

Program Length: 24 minutes

As legislation resulting in the largest change to the retirement system in more than a decade becomes law, CFN’s John Walker and CPA Tim Joseph discuss the impact. They detail new rules regarding 401(k) offerings, required minimum distributions, age contribution limits, the stretch IRA, and more.

Program Length: 16 minutes

Now is the time to consider several last-minute tips that may benefit you for tax year 2019.  John Walker and Cordasco Financial Network CPA Tim Joseph discuss several moves that may reduce your tax burden for this year.

Program Length: 26 minutes

CFN’s John Walker and Dennis Jablonoski take a look at recent equity market performances and talk about how the growth in equities has likely moved your investment portfolio out of balance. They discuss several rebalancing strategies you need to consider to ensure that your portfolio accurately reflects your investment goals and your comfort level with the amount of risk you are taking with your investments.

Program Length: 19 minutes

The thought of having or maintaining debt often conjures up an image of financial trouble, but consider this, there’s good debt and there’s bad debt. CFN’s John Walker explains the differences and how each can impact your financial wellbeing.

Program Length:12 minutes

Cybersecurity and protecting ourselves from online fraud is the focus as CFN’s John Walker welcomes Anthony Mongeluzo, President of Philadelphia area based cybersecurity firm PCS. Anthony tells some amazing stories of cybersecurity breaches in business and personal matters that illustrate just how vulnerable we actually are. Later in the podcast, John welcomes Evan Salter, CFN’s client services specialist, and victim of identity theft. Evan shares lessons learned and some important tips to help keep all of us safe in cyberspace especially during the upcoming holiday season.  

Program Length: 27 mins