Best Of Free Money Radio

Steve continues with the analogy of getting off the tracks and onto the train. Playing the market with money needed to live on leads to stress and strain. Those reporting happiness in retirement are people with a steady income stream.

Steve strikes a cautionary note and lists several warning signs worth considering when planning for the future. Americans want to get back to normal, but the worst may be yet to come. This episode is truly worth the time to listen.

Mark is off fishing so Steve & Jen are holding down the fort. Sparked by a few questions from listeners, Steve expands on  Warren Buffet's Rule #1 & Rule #2.  

In the era of the coronavirus, when people are feeling less in control of their lives, Steve and Mark provide some food-for-thought for taking more control of one's investments. 

Some great questions are asked that illustrate two financial truisms: "It's never too soon, but it's often too late" and "Losses always win". Hear how Steve & Mark respond to Kevin who is thinking about investing in cruise lines, Diane who wants to retire, and Eric who has delayed a decision about his 401k.  

Playing defense with your money may not be a bad idea. The market is off its historic highs but there are still profits to be had. Steve talks about the importance of taking the long view. 

Is waiting for the market to recover a good strategy? After musing about the loss of Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Steve & Mark discuss the aftermath of the 1929 and 2008 crashes in a not-to-be-missed episode that could be the difference for you having a secure retirement. 

The corona virus has thrown everyone a curve ball. Ups and downs in the market are a given, but record-breaking swings can be downright heart stopping. Mark & Steve discuss why it is never too late to re-orient your thinking to better secure your financial future. 

This mail bag segment goes into depth on the question, "Where should I put my money?" Before that can be answered, Steve and Mark analyze how behavior has an impact on investing.

Steve & Mark talk about the risk involved in getting emotionally attached to your money. Plus, It's Mail Bag Day! Hear from Carl from Rochester, Rick from Nashua, and learn about what re-balancing is all about.

At the 11th hour Congress attached The Secure Act to an appropriations bill that went into effect January 1, 2020. Steve and Mark go over some of the significant changes that could have tax implications for you down the road.

Mark in green pants, purple socks, and orange shoelaces? Even bad dressers can give good retirement-planning advice. Listen to Steve, Mark and Jen discuss the importance of focusing on outcomes, not inputs.

Steve and Mark discuss the value of provisional tax planning and why age 59 1/2 through 70 is the ideal time to plan for an optimal retirement.

Studies have shown that investors are their own worst enemy. Money managers routinely recommend a diversified portfolio, but is that really what the average investor ends up with? Steve explains what true diversification looks like and discusses how to arrive at your risk tolerance number.

How do you go broke when you retire with millions of dollars? It's easier then you think! Steve and Mark review some of the mistakes people make when they come into a pot of money, whether that's retirement money or lottery winnings.

Steve & Mark provide some insights into market psychology and how you can protect your assets just by being more aware of what's happening.

Borrowing from yourself and paying yourself back with interest? Steve and Mark discuss the advantages of a life insurance policy over a 401K or IRA.

Planning for retirement can be very daunting. In this very entertaining segment of the Free Money Guys, Steve & Mark talk about decoupling your money from your identity and give an illustration of how one couple has done just that. 

Steve and Mark present an interesting case in which a very comfortable retirement can turn into near poverty under certain circumstances. It's worth a listen.

A good coach educates his players and assists them in working toward a goal. Your financial planner should act as your coach in reaching your retirement goals.