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

What should you know about the tax law changes for 2025 and 2026? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the new tax law changes that you should be aware of for the final quarter of 2025 and the entirety of 2026. There are numerous tax planning strategies to consider at this time of year, especially given the recent tax law changes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can make the most of these changes! Key Tax Law Changes to Con

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

While Venmo and Zelle are very simple to pay friends and family, there are downsides of using these businesses that most people don't know. In this video, we'll talk about the real cost of using these platforms, and the opportunity cost of having your money stay with these platforms. 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/friendstalkfinancial

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 episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, we talk about some ways that the wealthy use to pay less taxes. Whether or not you have millions of dollars in the bank, these strategies could still help you lower your tax bill in the future! 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: Bridget:  Well, y

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

Major changes to charitable giving tax laws are reshaping how donations impact your taxes. In this video, we break down the latest rules, limits, and strategies every donor needs to understand. You’ll learn how these updates affect deductions, required documentation, and tax planning for individuals and businesses. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to maximize the impact of your giving under the new rules. Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners:..

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:...

Let’s talk about 5 things that financial planners miss when working with their clients. From not planning for Social Security, to not making sure their client has the right insurance, these are important financial plans that your financial planner should be helping you with. 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/friendstalkfinancialplanni