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, John and Bridget delve into the topic of net worth by age. They discuss the importance of understanding what net worth entails and share data on the median and 90th percentile net worth figures across different age groups. Join them as they break down the numbers and explore what it takes to be in the top 10% and even the top 1% of net worth in the U.S. Read the source article for the net worth data: https://ofdollarsandda

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 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

In this video, Bridget and John discuss the process of finding the 1099-INT for selling I bonds in 2023. They walk through the steps of navigating the I Bond site to locate the necessary tax form. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the world of I Bonds, this guide will help you understand the process. John's firm website: https://www.trinfin.com The Alliance for Comprenhensive Planners: acplanners.org Don't forget to subscribe to Friends Talk Financial Planning

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John Scherer and Bridget Sullivan Mermel uncover four hidden secrets that investment experts don't want you to know about. From the importance of saving to the value of tax planning and the reality of predicting the future, this video will change the way you think about financial success. 01:31 The Secret of Saving Discover why saving plays a crucial role in financial success and why it's more important than investment pic

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

In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, John and Bridget address a viewer's question, breaking down the differences between required minimum distribution (RMD) and qualified charitable distributions (QCD). They unravel the connection between these two concepts and providing valuable insights into how they can impact your taxes and charitable giving in later life. If you've ever been confused about these financial terms, this episode offers clear explanations a

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 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