Best Of Free Money Radio

Steve and Mark give a good overview of annuity products They discuss deferred, immediate, variable and fixed.  Pay particular attention to the discussion on hybrid annuities near the end of the show. 

Limited choices, restricted access, safe harbors, and fees, the structure of 401ks makes one wonder who they were meant to benefit.

Market cycles haven't gone away even though, in good times, we don't like to think about what's coming. The market has gone up considerably since 2010. Isn't it time to move your money to a safer place?

In this Best of Free to Retire Radio segment Steve & Mark ruminate on the importance of using the best materials for building a product to last. If commercial airplanes are built to last 30 - 40 years without crashing why are folks building retirement plans that won't stand the test of time?

With so many mutual funds moving in tandem it's obvious that outside forces make the market move. Forget about selling at the top and buying at the bottom. Momentum strategy is more successful with less stress.

In this Best of Free to Retire Radio segment, Steve discusses the myths we often accept as truth and how this thinking can hurt us by closing the door to alternative strategies and solutions.

After a bit of chit-chat, Steve & Mark talk about how market swings can desensitize investors to the fact that a prolonged downturn may be coming. We are in a period of pure market risk which has less to do with the securities one holds and more to do with world forces that are out of one's control. 

George Perkins joins Steve and Mark for an historical perspective on the financial planning industry. They recap 2018 and provide some insights for where 2019 may be heading.  

This program, recorded in December, is a serious discussion of market indicators. For those in the market who may not know of the Buffett Indicator, this is a must-listen-to program.

Steve and Mark respond point-by-point to a New York Times article on annuities.

The Patriots know that defense is as important, if not more important, than offense. Steve & Mark demonstrate how playing defense in the market can work for you as well.

Steve & Mark walk you through the tax consequences of withdrawing money from retirement savings and how taking out small amounts over a period of time can actually cost you more in taxes.

Taxes are complex, never intuitive, and full of traps that siphon off your money, particularly in retirement. Mark and Steve talk about keeping more of your money by reducing taxes. A lot more money, as it happens. Give us a listen, and then give us a call!

Steve & Mark ponder the question, "Why do people reject investments that are safe and guaranteed?" and Melissa reveals a secret.

Steve and Mark make some interesting observations about market growth as it relates to one's standard of living in retirement.

Steve & Mark respond to a viewer complaint and provide a clear analysis of why a buyout offer needs to be carefully evaulated.

When is the best time to take your Social Security benefit? Steve and Mark share some interesting statistics and discuss why following the herd isn't always the best strategy.

Of all the financial planning mistakes, not having an estate plan is one of the worst. Learn from Steve & Mark what Aretha Franklin and others should have done.

Do you know all the rules that apply to your 401k or IRA accounts? Do you think you can automatically withdraw money at age 59 1/2? Steve and Mark point out many of the rules regarding these accounts which leads one to wonder, "Whose money is it?"