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Welcome! Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer talk introduce themselves and talk about why they started the channel, Friends Talk Financial Planning.
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Retirement Age
In today's episode, Bridget and John explore the surprising reality of retirement age. Despite common perceptions, most people retire...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jul 2, 2024
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How Much Do You Really Need for Retirement? Survey Says $1.46 Million
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss a recent survey by Northwestern...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jun 3, 2024
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Variable Annuities: The Truth About Guaranteed Rates of Return
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the truth behind guaranteed rates in variable annuities....
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Apr 1, 2024
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Understanding RMDs and QCDs
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget address a viewer's question, breaking down the differences between...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jan 30, 2024
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Avoid IRS Penalties: Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Secure Act 2.0
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the required minimum distributions (RMDs) and the recent...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 27, 2023
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Should You Consider Investing in I Bonds?
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the new rates for I bonds that changed on November 1. They...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 15, 2023
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Retirement Account Withdrawal Rules: Exceptions to the Age 59 ½ Requirement
Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss the 59 and a half year age rule for retirement account withdrawals. They highlight...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Oct 11, 2023
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New IRS Rules for Catch-Up Contributions and Their Potential Impact
John and Bridget discuss the new rules introduced by the IRS regarding catch-up contributions for individuals over the age of 50. The...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Sep 22, 2023
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The Impact of Inflation on Retirement: A Closer Look
John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss the impact of inflation on retirement in this episode of Friends Talk Financial...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Sep 22, 2023
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Donor Advised Funds - The Smart Way To Give!
Many people of heard about Donor Advised Funds (D.A.F.) but not everyone knows how powerful they can be to leverage charitable giving. ...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jun 26, 2023
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Using I Bonds New Fixed Rate to Optimize Earnings
I Bonds New Fixed Rate is about double what it was before--up to .9% of your investment. In this video we talk through the strategies...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jun 11, 2023
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Tax-efficient Giving | Make Your Kids and Grandkids Happy!
When you've reached a point in your life when you know you've got more than enough, you may think about passing along your financial...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
May 16, 2023
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4 Types of Tax Free Retirement Income | Paying zero tax can be fun!
Paying zero tax in retirement is possible, but it doesn't generally happen by accident. In this episode we discuss major sources of tax...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
May 2, 2023
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Number One Financial Skill for Retirement | Plus How to Make it Easy!
The number one financial skill for retirement means what you need to have mastered before you give up your job. It's not about...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Mar 13, 2023
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Annuities vs Bond Ladder | Which One is Right for You?
Annuity vs Bond Ladder. Since bonds and CDs are making money again, people are interested in bonds and CD ladders. We wanted to get more...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Mar 13, 2023
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Individual 401ks | Save Tax While Saving Big for Retirement
Individual 401Ks, otherwise known as Solo 401Ks, are retirement plans is specifically designed for self-employed individuals and small...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Feb 12, 2023
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What's NOT in SECURE Act 2.0 | What Didn't Make the Cut
What's NOT in the SECURE Act hasn't gotten much attention as everyone, including @FriendsTalkFinancialPlanning, have been focusing on...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jan 31, 2023
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Emotional Hurdles of Retirement: Two Surprising Challenges
Two Emotional Hurdles of Retirement: Retirement is great, but can feel a lot different than you expect, especially at first. We see that...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Dec 22, 2022
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Smart Charitable Giving | 3 Pro Tips!
Smart Charitable Giving is relevant during this time of year. In this video, we talk about how to give money and save on taxes. Give...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 29, 2022
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QCD from IRA: Save Big on Taxes While Helping Charity
Understanding QCDs, or Qualified Charitable Contributions can save you big on your taxes. As a practical matter, there are important...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 6, 2022
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