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

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

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/

Let’s dive into a crucial question: Should you stay the course or pull back when markets take a sharp downturn? This topic is especially relevant for those of us who have worked hard to build our financial portfolios. Watching your investments drop can be emotionally challenging. It’s easy to feel panicked and consider making rash decisions. In this post, we’ll explore long-term investing strategies compared to short-term reactions during market crashes. We’ll also discuss hi

In this video, we'll talk about how to decide whether contributing to a bad 401(k) plan is worth it. You’ll learn the key factors to consider, including which investment options you should look at. We'll also talk about strategies for minimizing the downsides of a bad 401(k) plan while still preparing for retirement. How we invest our 401(k) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9g_uOw8sbU Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org - Joh

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

Are we headed for a recession? Predictions are flying, pundits are having a field day. But is it something you should be worried about? This week we break down some facts about recessions and what you can do to prepare if you are worried or feel like you might be vulnerable. Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, occurring roughly every 5 to 10 years, and are often influenced by factors like hiring and employment. While a recession can bring fear and uncertain

Join us today as we discuss how to manage market fluctuations in a time that appears to be experiencing some level of stock market volatility. We discuss how to navigate stock market volatility and the impact of market downturns. The market historically experiences fluctuations but tends to rise most years. Therefore it is important to have diversification in a portfolio, with stocks, bonds, and cash balancing risk and reward. Remember that market reactions can be exaggerate

Separating politics from your portfolio: what to know about the stock market and economy post-election. In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, join John and Bridget as they discuss how the stock market and economy are impacted by the outcome of the recent presidential election. While political changes can create short-term market fluctuations, over the long haul, the stock market operates largely based on broader economic factors, not just who holds political of

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

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 episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, hosts John and Bridget discuss the impact of presidential politics on the stock market. They delve into the three best and three worst presidencies in terms of stock returns and explore the surprising party affiliations behind them. Using historical data and charts, they uncover some interesting trends and draw conclusions about the influence of presidents on the stock market. Join them as they debunk common assumptions and

John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel discuss why it's difficult for companies to stay at the top and what investors can do about it. They analyze the historical performance of top stocks and the factors that contribute to their decline. They highlight government intervention, competition, and the diminishing returns of large companies. They emphasize the importance of diversification to mitigate risk and capture future high-performing stocks. John's firm website: https:

In this episode, John and Bridget discuss the concentration of stocks in the market, particularly the so-called FANG stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google). They address concerns about a few stocks driving the market and the potential risks associated with that. They analyze historical data and market trends to provide a broader perspective on the issue. They also explore the changing nature of companies and how they are categorized, using examples like Amazon

Year End Bear Market Tax Moves--The stock market has been down this year, and we're approaching year end. It's a great time to take a look at your portfolio and make the best out of a situation that you might not like that much--your portfolio being down. We talk through the best ways to make the best out of the situation--through your taxes. We discuss how to two tax strategies that can help you make the best a bear market. #acpmemberwisdom #financialplanning #tax 00: