Welcome! Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer talk introduce themselves and talk about why they started the channel, Friends Talk Financial Planning.

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 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 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, Bridget and John share six important questions to ask when hiring a financial advisor or financial planner. They discuss the significance of credentials, fiduciary responsibilities, tax advice, comprehensive financial planning, advisor experience, and transparent fee structures. (1). "Are you a CFP or certified financial planner?" (2). "Are you a fiduciary?" (3). "Will you give specific tax advice or will it be, I need to talk to my tax person about those th

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, John and Bridget discuss all things Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and how to decide which strategy to use when making charitable contributions. They break down the highlights and mechanics of each option and provide insightful tips on making the best choice based on your specific situation. Check out our previous episodes on DAFs! Basics about Donor-Advised Funds: https://youtu.be/g7jbhnLcNDw How to maximize your

In this video, Bridget and John discuss the ins and outs of making estimated tax payments to the IRS and provide valuable tips on how to stay out of hot water with the tax authorities. Whether you've had a windfall, started a business, or experienced a big financial change, understanding estimated payments is crucial. Join us to gain insights and avoid underpayment penalties. IRS Chart: https://www.irs.gov/payments/quarterly-interest-rates John's firm website: https://www.t

In this episode of FTFP, John and Bridget dive into the advanced strategies of using donor-advised funds for charitable giving and tax planning. They discuss the concept of "bunching" charitable contributions, controlling future investments, simplifying tax situations, and promoting the feeling of giving back. They also explore the benefits of involving family members in charitable decisions and the flexibility of donor-advised funds in supporting various causes. Join John an

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget discuss the required minimum distributions (RMDs) and the recent changes to penalties for not taking them. They dive into the details of the Secure Act 2.0 and provide important tips to avoid IRS penalties. John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com For advisors around the US: https://www.acplanners.org/home Thanks for watching, and please subscribe! #RMDs #RequiredMinimumDistributions #SecureAct2.0

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