Inheriting an IRA can be overwhelming, especially with the recent changes in tax laws. In this episode, Bridget and John break down the four essential things you need to know about inheriting an IRA. From understanding the new 10-year rule to tax-saving strategies, we cover it all. Make sure to watch until the end for valuable insights and tips! Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org Follow Us: - John Scheer’s Practice: https://www.trinf

John thinks saving for college is stupid. That's going to be our topic today on Friends Talk Financial Planning. Join Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer as they dive deep into the controversial topic of college savings. Is it really necessary to save for your child's college education, or are there better ways to manage these costs? Watch this episode to find out! 📌 Links Mentioned: - USDA Study on Cost of Raising a Child: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/archive/t

Are you considering retiring before age 65 and worried about covering healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in? You're not alone! In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget Sullivan Mermau and John Scherer discuss various ways to bridge the healthcare coverage gap if you retire before age 65. From spousal plans to Marketplace health insurance, COBRA, and more, we've got you covered with practical tips and insights. If you found this video helpful, don't fo

Join John and Bridget in this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning as they delve into the upcoming tax rate changes scheduled for 2026. Learn about the potential implications and discover actionable strategies to best prepare for these changes. Whether you're currently in the 12% tax bracket or higher, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the impending shifts in tax law. 🔗 Resources: - Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.o

Should you loan or give money to friends and family? It's a common dilemma, and today, Bridget and John dive into the best practices for making these financial decisions. We'll cover how to balance your own budgeting with helping others, setting up specific savings for lending, and determining when it's appropriate to give or loan money. Make financially sound choices while supporting your loved ones! 4 Tips for loaning money to friends & family: https://youtu.be/FaI7pcGkjdI

Are you considering long-term care insurance but feeling overwhelmed with all the options and details? Look no further! Join us, Bridget and John, as we delve into the nitty-gritty of long-term care insurance, the importance of evaluating its relevance to your unique financial situation, and the factors that impact the decision to get insured. In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning (FTFP), we are armed with insights from the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners and

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget and John dive into a fascinating survey conducted by Northwestern Mutual, highlighting the top obstacles to financial security. From inflation and the economy to personal debt and savings, they offer insightful perspectives on how we can rethink these challenges and focus on actionable steps to achieve financial stability. Don’t miss their practical advice that can help you control your financial future! Link to the

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

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer discuss a recent survey by Northwestern Mutual that claims Americans think they need $1.46 million to retire. Bridget and John argue that people might be thinking about this all wrong. Instead of focusing on a specific savings number, the key question should be: How much do you want to spend in retirement? Tune in as they break down the survey results, discuss the anxiety around retir

Join Bridget and John as they dive into the intriguing topic of "Rich Tax vs. Poor Tax" in this informative episode. Discover how the tax strategies and concerns differ between wealthier individuals and those with less income. Whether you're interested in maximizing your after-tax income or understanding more about tax planning and deductions, this episode has valuable insights for everyone. Remember to subscribe to our channel for more financial advice and insights. John's

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