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

Let's talk about some values that could be smart to talk about at the Thanksgiving table. From how you view money to how much you care about achievements, these conversations could be the start of learning more about what you actually care about. 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: John: Hi, I'm

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 our conversation is all about 4 common mistakes when gifting money to kids. Listen today so you don't make these same mistakes! 1. Giving Too Much Money: It's important to avoid giving away more than you can afford, especially if it risks your own financial security. Only give money beyond what is necessary for your lifestyle and future needs, typically when you're confident that your wealth will last through retirement, which will usually occur in your late 70s or

Expecting? Congratulations! Listen today to hear our 6 financial planning tips for when baby is on the way. Here’s our checklist with six essential steps to help you prepare financially for your baby’s arrival: 1. Review Your Health Insurance: Confirm that your health insurance provides the necessary coverage for both you and your baby once they're born. 2. Get Life Insurance: Secure life insurance to protect your growing family. You may need more coverage than you realize,

Just married or know someone who is? Listen today for how to manage money together for financial success in marriage. We discuss financial tips for newly married couples. Here is our checklist of key steps to take for financial success and future planning: 1. Save Together: Set up joint accounts for savings with common goals like buying a house or planning trips. Consider saving a percentage of bonuses for the household and personal savings to keep individual spending flexib

Getting married or know someone who is? Smart couples master these money moves before marriage! In today's conversation, we discuss important financial steps to take after getting engaged. Some of our suggestions: 1. Start Saving Together: It’s essential for couples to begin saving together, even before the wedding. Opening a joint savings account and contributing a set amount monthly can help establish a healthy financial foundation. 2. Share Your Financial Situation: Open

This week we discuss legacy letters, which are personal letters written to loved ones to express values, life lessons, regrets, and love, beyond financial matters. Legacy letters allow individuals to leave behind something deeply meaningful—sharing wisdom, advice, and affirmations, rather than just focusing on money or material assets. The idea was inspired by a podcast featuring Blake Brewer, who shared his personal story of receiving a legacy letter from his father after h

In this insightful episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning (FTFP), we dive deep into the intersection of values, money, and freedom with none other than George Kinder, a registered life planner and a pioneer in the life planning movement. Join hosts Bridget and John as they explore how understanding and embracing your core values can lead to a happy, meaningful life and effective financial planning. George Kinder, author of the seminal book "Seven Stages of Money Maturity

Join hosts Bridget and John in this thought-provoking episode of FTFP as they sit down with George Kinder, a pioneer in financial and life planning. Bridget and John, both experienced fee-only financial planners, delve into the profound theme of legacy with their esteemed guest. 📚 Episode Highlights: - Bridget's Evolution of Legacy Perception: From seeing legacy as self-interested to understanding its broader contributions to the world. - George Kinder’s New Book: Discover

Welcome to another insightful episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning! In today's special episode, we are joined by industry pioneer George Kinder to delve into the world of fiduciaries and financial life planning. Learn what it means to be a fiduciary, how to find the right financial advisor for you, and the importance of holistic financial planning. George Kinder's new book The Three Domains of Freedom is available on Amazon. Discover how financial planning, mindfulness

In this episode of FTFP, hosts John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel dive deep into the importance of comprehensive and collision insurance for your vehicle. They explain what each type of insurance covers and discuss when it might be necessary to have them. Furthermore, they explore the broader landscape of auto insurance, including liability coverage and how to determine the right amount of coverage based on your assets and lifestyle. This informative discussion is essen

In this informative episode, Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss the foundational aspects of personal finance, known as the five fundamentals of financial fitness. They outline the critical steps you need to follow to stay financially healthy throughout your life, discussing saving habits, emergency funds, retirement planning, smart credit card use, house buying tips, and investing in yourself. Stay tuned as they provide expert advice to help you navigate your fi

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the concerns facing many Americans today regarding home ownership. Has it truly become impossible for regular folks to afford a house in today's economy? They'll analyze housing affordability in the US, discuss historical home ownership rates with regards to the modern context, and explore whether our expectations of what a home should offer have evolved over the years. Prepare to challenge your perc

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel uncover four hidden secrets that investment experts don't want you to know about. From the importance of saving to the value of tax planning and the reality of predicting the future, this video will change the way you think about financial success. 01:31 The Secret of Saving Discover why saving plays a crucial role in financial success and why it's more important than investment pic

Join Bridget and John as they discuss the day in the life of a financial planner, sharing insights from their decades of experience in the industry. From starting out to established practices, they delve into the challenges, strategies, and evolution of their roles. Learn about the essential components of starting a financial planning practice – technical skills, marketing, and business operations—and the balance required to succeed. They discuss the evolution of a financial

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

Join us as we welcome a very special guest, Ken Robinson, the author of Don't Make a Budget: Why it's So Hard to Save Money and What to Do About it . Ken Robinson has revolutionized the concept of budgeting with his groundbreaking system that prioritizes paying yourself first. Through his book, he provides invaluable insights and actionable steps to help you regain control over your financial well-being. We all know that using cash allows us to witness the tangible nature

Giving money away can come with happiness or regret. Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss how to avoid three flavors of donation regret. Stay tuned for our tips on how to feel more of the warm glow of giving, too! John uses his own stories to illustrate how donating can make you feel bad or good. He talks about how he thinks about being scammed by a charity and what he learned from the experience. We talk about public radio station changing formats, and fee

Your 200 Year Legacy is something that can be difficult to wrap your head around. Thinking about your legacy can enrich your life and help you find meaning. John Scherer details how he thinks through this legacy, then he and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss how this can help reframe your thinking so that you get beyond the day-in-day out troubles. Bridget's grandma passed along values to her, while John experienced a 200 year legacy moment with his family at the Hoover Dam