Welcome! Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer talk introduce themselves and talk about why they started the channel, Friends Talk Financial Planning.

Spending in retirement might sound simple, but it can be quite challenging. In this article, we’ll explore why retirees often struggle to spend money, even when their financial plans say they can. We'll discuss fears of running out of funds and the impact of market volatility. Plus, we’ll share practical ways to create a clearer spending framework, so you can enjoy your money without second-guessing every purchase. Understanding the Challenges of Spending in Retirement When y

Worrying about retirement usually isn’t about money alone. It’s usually about uncertainty and losing control. In this video, we’ll explain why people who’ve saved a lot of money can still feel like they don’t have enough. The goal is to turn retirement from a scary question mark to a plan that you can actually manage. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com - Find us on Facebook:...

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can be a fantastic way to build wealth. However, they come with specific tax rules that you need to understand. In this article, we’ll break down what RSUs are and how they differ from stock options. What Are Restricted Stock Units? RSUs are typically part of an employee's compensation package. Companies grant these units to employees, which vest over time. Vesting usually starts the year after they are granted and can last for several years, oft

Deferred compensation is often explained as a smart tax strategy, but the reality is more complicated than most people realize. In this video, we'll talk about how deferred compensation plans actually work, when they can reduce taxes, and when they might increase risk. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com - Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendstalkfinancialplanning TRAN

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget Sullivan Mermel and Luke Van de Loo about a change that could be happening for America’s retirement system. If private equity starts to make up portions of 401(k) plans, here's what you should know. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com - Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendstalkfinancialplanning TRANSCRIPT: Bri

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget Sullivan Mermel and Luke Van de Loo talk about a question everyone’s asking but few truly understand. With AI stocks going up and new companies launching every day, it’s getting difficult to separate true value from too much promise. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendstalkfinancialplanning TRANSCRIPT: Bridget:  Today

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss insurance mistakes that can cost you thousands and how to avoid them. There’s health insurance, life insurance, renter’s insurance, home insurance, auto insurance, umbrella insurance, and more. How do you decide what types of insurance you need and how much of each type is enough? Tune in for key insights that can help you choose insurance and avoid costly mistakes! Understanding the Importance of In

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget talk about whether a 50-year mortgage is a financially smart idea, and if so, who would benefit the most from it. Some people argue in favor of 50-year mortgages for increased accessibility and inflation protections. Others argue against them for concerns about equity and other underlying issues. Don't miss this opportunity to parse through the advantages and disadvantages of 50-year mortgages! Resources:

Does the 4% withdrawal rule still work in today’s retirement landscape? You’ll learn how inflation and market volatility have challenged the original estimates that created this popular retirement rule. We’ll compare the 4% rule to newer withdrawal strategies that adapt to changing markets and retirement needs. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com - Find us on Facebook: https://www.fac