Let's talk about if the market is quietly setting up for a correction or a full crash in 2025 and 2026. You’ll see what current economic data might be signaling about the months ahead. We’ll compare today’s conditions to past market cycles and talk about the key numbers a lot of investors are missing. 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/

Why do great investors think like tennis players? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget proposes three similarities between successful tennis players and successful investors. From using the resources available to taking risks to mastering the mental game, there are ways that you can learn to succeed in tennis and finance. Whether you are an avid tennis fan or not, don’t miss this advice! Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.ac

Which type of bond is best for your portfolio? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss the best bonds for your financial situation. Treasury bonds, Municipal bonds, I bonds, and Corporate bonds have their advantages and disadvantages. Don’t miss this opportunity to determine which type of bond might serve you and your situation best! Check out our What Bonds to Buy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taoB4XXBf5o

What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a vacation home? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss both the math and emotions behind owning a vacation home. Is it a good investment? What is your goal? Don’t miss the opportunity to answer these questions and more so that you can avoid having regrets about your vacation home! Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - John's firm website:...

This week we focus on the benefits of bond ladders over bond funds for financial planning, particularly in retirement. We discuss three main reasons we prefer bond ladders: 1. Guaranteed Cash Flow: Bond ladders provide predictable cash flow by using individual bonds that mature at different times, ensuring cash availability when needed, especially in retirement. 2. Peace of Mind: Bond ladders give clients confidence that they will have access to guaranteed income, especia

In today’s episode, we discuss the five factors that have a greater impact on your financial success than investment returns. While investment returns are important, focusing on these other key elements can have a far more significant effect on your long-term financial health. First, saving is critical. The amount you save—both in retirement accounts and through daily spending decisions—matters. It’s not just about contributing to your 401(k) or setting aside money for a rai

This week on Friends Talk Financial Planning, we discuss the strategic reasons behind selling stocks during market downturns. Although it seems counterintuitive to sell when the market is down, there are valid reasons for doing so, primarily focused on portfolio rebalancing and tax efficiency. Rebalancing—adjusting the proportions of different assets in a portfolio—can sometimes require selling stocks that have performed well to buy those that have underperformed, restoring

Can you use I Bonds to pay for your grandchildren's college education tax-free? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss a strategy to do just that. While I Bonds can be cashed out tax-free for your own or your dependent's college expenses, using them for grandchildren's education isn't as straightforward. However, there is a path to make it work: 1. Cash out the I Bonds and contribute the funds to a 529 plan in

Join John and Bridget as they delve into the relationship between interest rates and stock performance. Discover surprising insights that challenge conventional wisdom. - Historical data on interest rates and stock market performance. Topics include: - Analysis of Ben Carlson's blog findings and the S&P 500 returns - The impact of low vs. high interest rates on stocks - The importance of a diversified portfolio - Conventional wisdom vs. actual trends in financial planning

With the presidential election approaching, there's a lot of speculation on how it might impact the stock market and your investment portfolio. Join John and Bridget as they delve into the historical data, analyze patterns, and provide insights on what (if anything) you should do with your portfolio during these uncertain times. Make sure to subscribe, as we aim to reach 1,000 subscribers and bring you more valuable financial planning insights! #FinancialPlanning #StockMarke

Join Bridget and John in this insightful episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, where they delve into the ongoing implications of inflation on investment portfolios. Whether you're feeling the pinch or just planning for the future, understand how today's economic climate could affect your financial decisions. Don't forget to subscribe for more valuable insights! Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com.

In this week's episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss the pros and cons of investing 100% in stocks. They address why it may not always be the best approach, despite stocks having high expected returns. Join the conversation as they analyze historical data and share insights on long-term investment strategies. Article with the 7 Reasons Not to Use a 100% Stock Portfolio: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/100-stock-portfo

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the truth behind guaranteed rates in variable annuities. They break down the complexities and shed light on important considerations for anyone considering this investment option. Other episodes that you might find interesting about annuities: Understanding Fixed Annuities: How They Work and Making Informed Financial Decisions: https://youtu.be/fVURWNUpDM0 Three Deadly Annuity Mistakes:...

In this video, Bridget and John discuss the process of finding the 1099-INT for selling I bonds in 2023. They walk through the steps of navigating the I Bond site to locate the necessary tax form. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the world of I Bonds, this guide will help you understand the process. John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com The Alliance for Comprenhensive Planners: acplanners.org Don't forget to subscribe to Friends Talk Financial Planning

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget dig into the world of fixed annuities. They discuss the components of a fixed annuity, how it works, and why it differs from a variable annuity. If you're curious about whether buying a fixed annuity is a good idea, this video will provide valuable insights. John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com Don't forget to subscribe to Friends Talk Financial Planning for more insightful discussions on financi

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the three deadly annuity mistakes that individuals should avoid. They delve into the complexities of annuities, uncovering hidden fees, surrender charges, and the implications of placing annuities in IRAs. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on financial planning and investment strategies! John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com The Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: acplanners.org #Annuities #Fi

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel dive into the intricate balance between making financially sound decisions and honoring our emotions and personal values. They discuss the scenario of paying off a mortgage early, the importance of liquidity and emergency funds, the emotional attachment to concentrated stock positions, and the significance of being intentional with financial choices. As they share their insights, they

Check out our latest episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, where Bridget and John dive into their predictions for 2024. They discuss what's in store for the stock market, interest rates, I Bond rates, and taxes, providing valuable insights into what the future might hold for your financial planning. Join the conversation as they explore how historical trends can impact the stock market, the potential trajectory of interest rates, and the relationship between inflation a

In this episode of FTFP, John and Bridget discuss the considerations and strategies for investing in international stocks. Bridget shares her journey of understanding international investing and explains the importance of diversifying one's portfolio. They also touch on the biases people may have towards investing in stocks from their own country and the potential growth in emerging markets. The discussion includes insights on dimensional fund advisors and their approach to

In this engaging episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, hosts John and Bridget delve into the intricacies of selling I bonds, providing listeners with valuable insights and practical tips to navigate this financial terrain. With a dynamic and conversational approach, they make the complex world of I bonds accessible to both seasoned investors and those new to financial planning. The hosts kick off the episode by breaking down the current rates of I bonds, offering a co