Chad Smith And Mike Eklund - Podcast Details

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Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementNavigating Market Volatility with Mike Eklund, Ep #239Chad and Mike break down the major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter, revealing why diversification works unexpectedly. They chat through the impact of recent tariff news, what those headlines might mean for the economy and your portfolio, and share evidence-based strategies for taking action (or not!) when markets get rocky. Outline of This Episode [0:00] Major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter [4:22] The benefits of diversified portfolios [9:15] Trade deficit and tariffs explained [9:54] Tariffs impact product prices, and consumer costs increase [13:03] Historic tariff surge of 22% shocks the stock market [16:27] To...2025-05-0626 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Avoid Common Mistakes When Gifting Money to Family, Ep #231As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves thinking about gifts. While gifts can come in many forms, monetary gifts often cause the most confusion. In this episode of Financial Symmetry, hosts Chad Smith and Grayson Blaszak discuss the intricacies of financial gifting. Financial gifting generally involves transferring assets, such as cash or securities, from one individual to another without expecting anything in return. This process can have several benefits, including seeing your loved ones enjoy the fruits of your generosity during your lifetime. *********** 📬 Download your Free Retire On Purpose Guide here...2024-12-2322 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementAnchoring to an Arbitrary Dollar AmountThe behavioral and emotional side of financial planning takes precedence when planning for our future. I see this play out frequently in the form of anchoring to a perceived value we’ve grown accustomed to, based on prior experience. This “value”; however, can unfortunately lead to decisions that damage the success of our financial plan. Outline of This Episode [1:40] Anchoring to a dollar amount is what we’re used to [5:56] Are you stuck on your stock prices? [10:25] Your retirement number needs to have a basis [15:20] What are you sacrificing to reach your number...2023-07-2423 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement4 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading ListSummer is here! That means it’s time to brush off the bookshelf and get reading. We have a few book ideas to enhance your reading list. If you are looking to improve your financial life or even just enjoy a light beach-read you won’t want to miss this list. Outline of This Episode [0:55] Never Split the Difference [5:20] The Gap and the Gain [9:55] Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth [12:52] Hello, Molly Resources & People Mentioned BOOK - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss BOOK - The Gap and the Gain by Benjamin Hardy BOOK - Simple Wealth...2023-06-2618 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementStrategies for Managing Your Cash, Ep #186If you have been watching the news lately you may be wondering if your cash is safe. Watching the country’s 16th largest bank collapse causes people to question whether the banking system is set up to ensure that funds are accessible. On this episode of Financial Symmetry, we’ll discuss what happened to Silicon Valley Bank, examine how much cash you really need, and explore options for managing your emergency fund. Listen in to learn how to safely manage your emergency fund. Outline of This Episode [1:34] What happened with Silicon Valley Bank [4:40] How much c...2023-03-2019 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementChoose Your Own Retirement Adventure - The 4 Types of Retirement Journeys, Ep #170Have you ever wondered how your retirement preparations compare with others? Short video recap: https://youtu.be/mNYvWKgO3MM This is a common question that we hear as financial advisors. On this episode, we’ll take a look at data from a recent study about the 4 types of retirement journeys that people take. You’ll also hear about the risks and opportunities that stem from these 4 retirement paths. People’s circumstances, attitudes, and ambitions can greatly affect their retirement experience. So, if you are on the cusp of retirement you may be wondering what ty...2022-08-0823 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Create a Framework for Navigating Major Financial DecisionsHow do you deal with a major financial transitions? Video recap: https://youtu.be/2tWrduVAS14 When this happens there can be many choices that you need to make. Without the right decision-making framework, navigating these choices can lead to analysis paralysis. Allison Berger joins me today to share some of what she has learned while studying for the CFT designation (Certified Financial Transitionist). The coursework for this professional title combines financial planning with cutting-edge research in neurology, sociology, and psychology. With her newfound knowledge, Allison will help us learn how to navigate the t...2022-07-1124 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementDuring a Market Downturn Which One of These 4 Typical Investors Are You?In a bear market, it can be easy to panic and forget that investor behavior drives results more than choosing the right investments. People tend to be their own worst enemy during these trying times. That’s why it is important to learn from those that have gone before you. Video Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VePid5UlQ1Y Your Playbook to Market Volatility: https://www.financialsymmetry.com/staying-the-course-even-during-volatile-markets/ Check out this episode to discover the 4 typical investors that we encounter during market declines. As you listen consider who you have bee...2022-06-2721 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementYour Game Plan for Volatile Markets, Ep #164Stocks are now in a bear market. Rising interest rates mean bonds are having a horrible year. Inflation reached a 40-year high. Headlines like these makes it tough to have confidence in your investment strategy. Youtube video: https://youtu.be/dNb2jmLW_OU This is why today, we are reviewing how to create a retirement plan that provides peace of mind through an investment roller coaster. If you are worried about the future of your money, our goal this week is to provide you a game plan for volatile markets. Press play to l...2022-05-1627 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement10 Tax Surprises to Watch Out ForIf you recently filed your tax return you may have noticed some unexpected surprises. Video recap: https://youtu.be/G9q8k5fRNdQ Since tax planning and preparation is an important part of what we do at Financial Symmetry, we wanted to make you all aware of the top 10 tax surprises that we see in our office. Listen in to hear if you are familiar with any of these tax prep surprises. Outline of This Episode [2:58] Inheritances [6:55] Credit card reward points [7:56] Advanced child tax credit [10:30] Cryptocurrencies and NFTs [13:20] 1099K through Venmo or o...2022-05-0229 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat are the Best Retirement Strategies for Me?Deciding to retire is just the beginning of your retirement decision-making. From tax planning to Social Security decisions, finding the best strategies for you requires regular analysis. Video recap: https://youtu.be/TleOZ8CwYXw Today’s question comes from a client who recently read an article from Rethinking 65 titled Why Trying to Quantify Roth Conversions Is Futile. After reading the article the client wanted to know if they should take advantage of Roth conversions. As we explore this question today, you’ll learn how you can decide whether Roth conversions would be a good fit for y...2022-04-1826 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementStrategies to Retire More ConfidentlyMany people that listen to retirement podcasts and read financial articles are fantastic savers. If that sounds like you, congratulations! Video recap: https://youtu.be/pUvfv1815fw You have done the hard work to accumulate plenty of assets and be on track to reach your financial retirement goals. However, after a lifetime of accumulation, you may discover that you have a hard time letting go of your assets. I recently came across an article in Barron’s magazine called Retirees Aren’t Spending Enough of Their Nest Eggs. Here's Why. On this episode of Fi...2022-04-0425 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement4 Tips to Help You Prepare for Tax SeasonTis the season to prepare your taxes! Video recap: https://youtu.be/mWYWaKeP6-o Whether you do your own taxes or you are gathering information for your tax preparer, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t miss a thing. Listen to this episode to ensure that you think about everything you need to do to prepare this year’s tax documents. Don’t miss the obvious As you start your tax preparation journey by gathering documents and ensuring that you have everything in order, you may end up forgetting the obvious...2022-01-3118 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementStarting the New Year Off on the Right Financial Foot: 5 Questions to Ask a Financial AdvisorAt the start of every year, people are more motivated to get off on the right financial foot. This might mean contacting a financial advisor for the first time. Video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEB2z530-Zc So we put together a list of 5 questions we hear from those looking to hire a financial advisor. If you are considering working with a financial advisor this year, you may want to use these questions to help you understand how the financial advising process works so that you can feel comfortable choosing...2022-01-0317 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementShould You Worry About Inflation?Everyone is talking about inflation. You can’t open a newspaper, look at your phone, or go to a barbecue without hearing about it. With all this talk, it can be easy to worry about your financial future. Video recap: https://youtu.be/iZoqhqEVR1I On this episode of Financial Symmetry, we’ll explore the causes of inflation, historical inflation, and what you can do to hedge against this silent enemy. Press play to educate yourself and ease your worries. Why does inflation occur? Inflation is different from market risk: it doesn’t show u...2021-12-0622 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementFinancial Planning Strategies for GrandparentsWith Grandparents day around the corner, we're breaking down helpful financial planning strategies for grandparents. Many grandparents have dreams of sharing the fruits of their labor with their families. However, sharing your wealth effectively takes careful planning. YouTube recap here: https://youtu.be/eGYLeS_8hNw Listen to this episode to hear the best ways to plan effectively for your kids and grandkids. Vacationing Confidently Grandparents love spoiling the grandkids. One of the more memorable ways to do this, is by taking care of planning and paying for the whole family to take a b...2021-09-0617 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe Summer Sprint - Financial Tasks to Complete Before FallCompared to 2020, the summer of 2021 has been exciting for most people. Many parts of the country are getting back to normal and there is plenty of fun to be had. Video recap: https://youtu.be/aCuc4zsi3SE But with that fun can come extra spending. Now that we are halfway through the year, this is a fantastic time to check in with your finances. This week, we let Chad and Mike have time off to enjoy their summer fun, so Grayson Blazek joins me to discuss 10 financial tasks for you to complete b...2021-07-2619 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementDemystifying What the Biden Tax Plan Could Mean for YouYou may have heard a lot on the news about President Biden’s tax plan. Are you worried about how it will affect you and your tax situation? In this episode of Financial Symmetry, Grayson Blazek helps to demystify Biden’s tax proposal. You’ll learn how you may be affected and whether or not you should be worried. Don’t wait until April 15 to start your tax planning! Press play to learn what you can expect next year. Short Video Recap: https://youtu.be/wFzuPLnT9qc When does the new tax law take effect? Even thou...2021-05-3130 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement3 Not-So-Obvious Retirement RoadblocksHave you ever been on your way to an epic summer road trip and then all of a sudden you come upon a roadblock? That can ruin the excitement you feel for the upcoming trip. This can happen in retirement as well. In retirement, you may confront roadblocks on your journey and if you don’t know how to maneuver around them it can leave you feeling stuck. On this episode of Financial Symmetry, Allison Berger joins me to discuss 3 not so obvious retirement roadblocks that you may encounter along your retirement journey. We want to be you...2021-05-0324 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementOur 3 Step Investing ProcessWhat are you investing for? Many say higher or better returns--but higher or better than what? What do those higher returns make possible for you? Video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKC2ulw3cz8 To have a successful investment experience you need to have a plan in place. Mike Eklund joins me once again on this episode of Financial Symmetry to discuss our 3 step investing process. This process creates the guideposts for all Financial Symmetry clients. Listen in to learn why failing to plan means you are planning to fail. Why do yo...2021-04-1925 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement5 Tax Planning Opportunities in the American Rescue PlanThe American Rescue Plan was recently passed, but do you know all the changes it will bring? You probably already know about the stimulus checks, but you may not know how it could affect your taxes and healthcare. This latest economic stimulus package could mean big things for your tax planning. Video recap here: https://youtu.be/Vq8Y2CFYS6E Since the American Rescue Plan has a heavy tax focus, I invited tax planning extraordinaire, Grayson Blazek, to brief us all on the risks and opportunities that we should be looking out for with t...2021-03-2234 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow a Financial Advisor Invests Their Money - Cameron HendricksIt’s always fun to peek behind the curtain and see the strategies and process people use for their decision making. Video recap: https://youtu.be/DDp2dBUhrSg During this conversation, we review some of my core beliefs around: importance of tradeoffs - how every financial decision affects others being intentional in being a good steward Defining the balance between enjoying today while saving for tomorrow Structuring your money management around the give, grow, owe and live philosophy 4 Primary Uses of Money You can use it to live, give, owe or gr...2021-03-0833 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementTop Investment Lessons Learned from 2020From a historically quick bear market decline to a speedy rebound, 2020 certainly took us on a wild ride. But there is a lot we can learn from this crazy year. Short video recap: https://youtu.be/fUfGwGk-gEY In this episode, we are reflecting on the investment lessons we learned over the past year. What were the lessons you took away in 2020? Listen in to hear if there are any other lessons you can learn from the year. Optimists make better investments than pessimists Historically, the S&P 500 returns 8-10% per year...2021-01-1126 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow a Financial Advisor Invests Their Money - Mike EklundMotivated by the new book, How I Invest My Money, I (Mike Eklund) wanted to communicate how I manage my own money. In our recent podcast, we discuss my approach with investments, savings, spending, debt, insurance, and what the money is for (goals). We also review some of my core beliefs which include: Spend less then you earn Automate savings, investing, and anything else that you can Invest the majority of portfolio in growth assets (stocks) Spend money on experiences, relationships and to save time Insure against big risks (life/disability) Avoid high-cost debt Keep it simple. Complicated is th...2020-12-1436 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementAre Value Stocks Dead?Growth stocks have been on a tear over the past several years. However, traditionally value stocks have been the big performers in the long-term. But with the rapid rise in growth over the last 10 years, are value stocks still worth it? Video recap: https://youtu.be/qthoQhw9IxA Today we explore the question: can value stocks still outperform in today’s environment? We’ll look at the data, provide you with the information, and then lay out action steps that you can take to act on what you learn. What are value and growth stoc...2020-11-3020 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementShould You Take an Early Retirement Package?Have you been offered an early retirement package? Video recap: https://youtu.be/jpIfdhYVx6Y Early retirement packages are on the rise. Companies are often looking for ways to cut costs and one way to do that is to give highly compensated employees an incentive to ease into retirement. Usually, these packages offer a one-time payment and sometimes they come with a period of additional healthcare coverage. If you are offered an early retirement package many questions will arise. Is this a good deal? Is the package negotiable? What will I do about h...2020-11-1620 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementLeaving and Receiving an Inheritance by the DecadesEstate planning is one of the most overlooked and procrastinated upon areas of financial planning. Video recap: https://youtu.be/NB2S1FWWH2s While your legacy is important, it doesn’t generally take the front seat of your thoughts or your financial plan. There’s more to legacy planning than just having a will, but how much more depends on which stage of life you’re in. Find out what you should be doing to plan your legacy whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s by listening to this episode of Financia...2020-10-1929 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementPreparing for a Professional Pivot2020 has been a year of change. The pandemic has given people an opportunity to rethink their lives and many have been rethinking their career. Video recap: https://youtu.be/0RCME_Y8bdI Whether you are one of the millions of people that have been forced into a job change or whether you are considering a professional pivot on your own, there is a lot to think about when changing jobs. On this episode, Grayson Blazek and I will walk you through all the considerations when taking on a new job. If you are...2020-09-0730 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementDo You Ask These Questions When Selecting Investments?We know how important it is to save for retirement, but at the same time, it’s important to enjoy life now. In this episode, we’ll walk you through how to set up a framework for your investment strategy. Short Youtube Recap: https://youtu.be/LRcH7hwbUYY You’ll learn how important your behavior is to your investment success, how to think through your asset allocation choices and finally how to select the investments themselves. Investment behavior matters more than any investment you pick What is your investment approach? How you make decisio...2020-08-2422 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementYour Future Self Will Thank YouThere are fundamental principles that we all need reminders of from time to time. As kids and grandkids are heading off to college, we're talking through 6 core principles to getting off on the right financial footing. We also include a chart demonstrating the power of saving 15% of your income. Youtube video recap: https://youtu.be/LLlJjITn6B8 If you can follow these 6 steps, it's very likely your future self will thank you. 6 Tips to Begin on the Right Financial Foot Know where your money is going. Track your spending. Review your spending periodically so t...2020-08-1018 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementBuying a Second Home? Answer These Questions2020 has brought us a new reality with our vacation mindsets. With many vacation plans put on hold or completely cancelled, the pandemic has become the impetus for second homes becoming more of a reality. Short Youtube video recap: https://youtu.be/dZvXxmFmDxM If you have been considering purchasing a second home, we lay out 5 questions to consider as you're analyzing your purchase decision. Questions to ask yourself before buying a second home Have you ever considered buying a lake house, beach house, or mountain house? Vacation home purchases have surged this year, quadrupling...2020-07-2722 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementNearing Retirement? Prepare for these Retirement SurprisesYou spend half your life preparing for retirement, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be surprises when you get there. YouTube Recap here: https://youtu.be/zzEnHR9Qv8I Retirement can bring on both positive and negative surprises, so it's important to prepare the best you can beforehand. So in this episode we breakdown the different kinds of surprises you may experience in retirement and how you can be ready. A year of surprises 2020 has been a year of surprises. It seems that every time we turn around the world has...2020-07-1323 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe "R" Plan - 5 Steps to Fight Prediction HubrisNo one can argue that the stock market has been tumultuous lately. During times of market uncertainty, investors seem to become even more certain about their predictions of the next stock market moves. Short YouTube Recap: https://youtu.be/ShmeDGPQ3l4 As people make these predictions over time the stakes get bigger and bigger. Listen to this episode to hear what steps you can take to fight this prediction hubris. Wealth isn’t determined by investments selected but by investor behavior When markets become more volatile, the desire to control our outcomes becomes stro...2020-06-2927 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe ABC's of Special Needs Financial PlanningSpecial needs financial planning is an intricate and delicate process. Youtube Recap Here: https://tinyurl.com/y7wchxee A process loaded with challenging emotional and financial decisions. So below we provide 4 steps to think through if planning for your special needs loved one’s future. More than 40 million individuals or about 10% of total American population are living with a disability according to the US Census. This takes a careful planning approach to assure needs are met. More Detail Here: https://bit.ly/2BbvxLv Summary Approach – Highlighting the importance of c...2020-06-1534 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementCollege Savings Strategy During COVIDIn times of crisis and uncertainty, the potential need to access our savings seems to rise to the forefront. However, many of the accounts that we utilize for our savings are tied to certain restrictions. For example, the age 59.5 restriction for retirement account withdrawals without facing a 10% penalty, or HSAs and 529 accounts which must be used for medical expenses and education expenses respectively. These unique accounts are great tools to efficiently invest our savings given the tax deferred or tax-free growth. The issue though is what happens when we need funds to cover items that don’t meet the pa...2020-06-0121 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhy is the Stock Market Doing So Well When the Economy is Not?Why is the stock market doing so well when the economy is not? Short Youtube recap here: https://youtu.be/QubNZjHHN04 With headlines about skyrocketing unemployment and an impending recession, how has the stock market rebounded so quickly? Despite the historic drops in March, the S&P 500 is only hovering in a range 10-15% from its overall highs. While the stock market and the economy are influenced by each other, there are key differences that emerge during market extremes. The economy has taken a beating We have all heard the negative news surrounding...2020-05-1815 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementRetirement Planning Changes in the CARES ActToday we're taking a deep dive to explore the retirement changes within this landmark piece of legislation. On this episode, you’ll learn what CRD’s are, who are qualified individuals, and how to note CARES Act withdrawals on your tax return. Join us to hear about financial opportunities that you may not have considered. Short Youtube video recap: https://youtu.be/2QjSpi3op_U What is the purpose of the CARES Act? The CARES Act was recently passed to help Americans get through this difficult time that has been filled with...2020-05-0416 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement3 Questions to Ask Yourself During Stock Market DropsToday we explore some of the most common questions that people ask during a market decline. We discuss what a financial advisor does and doesn't do for their clients in bear markets, whether you should refinance, and the benefits of tax-loss harvesting. Listen in to hear what you could be doing to stay proactive during this market decline. Youtube recap here: https://youtu.be/QUCpQcf2vu8 What are the benefits of working with a Financial Advisor during a Stock Market Decline? Financial advisors can be a great resource during a stock market decline. The fear yo...2020-04-2016 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat the CARES Act Means For YouThe CARES Act was just recently passed and the new law will impact just about every American. But do you know how it will affect you? View Youtube recap here: https://youtu.be/BTaeWH0aEB0 On this episode of Financial Symmetry, Grayson Blazek joins me to give you some actionable information that you can use to help you consider how best to take control of this challenging financial situation. During this stressful time, it will be helpful to learn as much as you can to give you a feeling of empowerment. Who is eligible...2020-04-0630 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementPreparing Your Portfolio During A Bear MarketWe’re all surprised at the speed of changes the coronavirus has brought in our lives. Working from home, school closures, and social distancing have become our new norms. Stock markets have fallen in to a bear market in less than a month. Uncertainty related to COVID-19 grows daily, as we all know the amount of new cases are destined to rise. It can be hard to find positives through the barrage of more disappointing news each day. But there are steps you can take to prepare your portfolio during this bear market. In today’s episode, we sha...2020-03-2321 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementCoronavirus Concerns and Your PortfolioCornoavirus concerns continue to impact the financial markets, as have all the numberless crises that have gone before it. While the potential human and economic effects are very unsettling, what actions should a prudent investor take given this new development? Short Video Recap Here: https://youtu.be/Wsy6OTuY-yI It remains impossible to predict when and how this problem will be resolved. Likewise, it is impossible to know when and how the markets will anticipate (or react to) such a resolution. In this episode of the Financial Symmetry show, hosts Chad Sm...2020-03-0616 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementRetirement Regrets: I Wish I Would Have...Will your retirement regrets list be full of "I wish I would have...?" What if you could use regrets of other retirees to change or improve your current course? Short Youtube Recap here: https://youtu.be/CiGxXeem2yI Listening to the wisdom of those that have gone before you, can help you avoid their big mistakes and take advantage of financial opportunities you may have missed. In our role as financial advisors, we have the unique opportunity of hearing a long list of retirement regrets. In listening to their perspectives, we gain an...2020-02-2430 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow an IRMAA Appeal Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Medicare PremiumsHow closely did you look at your Medicare premium notice letter this past December? If it mentioned an IRMAA adjustment, and you experienced a life-changing event, you may want to look again. There's a few steps you can take that can save you thousands of dollars in Medicare premiums. In this episode, we are breaking down the the tax cliff known as IRMAA and how proper planning can help you avoid overpaying for your Part B and Part D Medicare premiums. YouTube recap: https://youtu.be/BQ7K_DeJiHs What is IRMAA? This...2020-02-1021 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow Do You Invest at All-Time Market Highs?How do you best invest at all-time market highs? In this episode, we are walking through the strategies and disciplines you'll need to be a successful long-term investor. Short Youtube recap here: https://youtu.be/fEXnQ8GaCuk Visit full article notes here: https://wp.me/p6NrVS-3i0 Short-term market forecasting is impossible to predict We often get the question of whether people should continue to invest given the all-time market highs. Well, let’s take a look back to just a year ago. At the end of 2018, the U.S. stock market dec...2020-01-2730 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow the SECURE Act Impacts Your RetirementThe SECURE Act is the biggest piece of retirement legislation to pass since 2006. On this episode, we discuss what the SECURE Act is and how it will affect you and your retirement plans. The acronym SECURE stands for "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement." Watch corresponding Youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0K8KBlCYhs&t=2s In our breakdown of the new bill, you’ll learn about the highlights including new IRA rules, changes to 401K’s, non-retirement changes, and extenders. The Stretch IRA is not as stret...2020-01-1324 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementSolving the Social Security Tax Bubble MysteryAre you in the Social Security tax bubble? Tax rules are complicated enough, and Social Security benefits during retirement years add another layer of complexity. Watch corresponding Youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RnQY0NxhSM&t=39s Your Social Security income can cause your actual tax rate to be much higher than expected. Not understanding how and when Social Security benefits are taxed can lead to an unpleasant surprise when Uncle Sam comes calling. You’ll also learn why multi-year tax planning is so important in retirement. How...2019-12-3023 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow a Crazy Idea turned into 100 EpisodesWhat does it take to get to 100 podcast episodes? In his book, Shoe Dog, Phil Knight describes his emotions upon starting the company that became Nike, as a crazy idea. When describing how he felt, he realized that many of the world’s greatest achievements started as crazy ideas. Watch corresponding Youtube video here. What seemed like a crazy idea for us 4 years ago, has turned into more than we could have ever imagined. We recently shared about what motivated us to start the show in our review of FINCON. In thi...2019-12-1632 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementRetirement MythbustersWho you gonna call? Retirement Mythbusters! Short Youtube recap here: https://bit.ly/2R0QJcA Visit Full Article Here: https://wp.me/p6NrVS-3g5 Not as catchy as Ghostbusters, we know, but these retirement myths can be much more hazardous to your long-term financial health. Many of us have certain beliefs, internet rumors or family hearsay that are passed down about retirement rules of thumb. But believing in these stories could be detrimental to the long-term success of your retirement. On this episode, we do our best Mythbusters imitation (of Discovery Channel...2019-12-0229 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementIs Long-Term Care Insurance Worth It?How do you know if long term care insurance is worth it? Short Youtube video here: https://bit.ly/3akBTVZ This is a topic we discuss with our clients regularly. With an aging population comes increased options for retirement living, assisted living and nursing care options. Along with increased options come increased costs as well which can be exorbitant in some cases. If long-term care insurance has been on your mind, you’ll want to have a listen to our objective viewpoints as we consider if long-term care insurance is really worth it. Why do peo...2019-11-1829 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Make Decisions About Your Equity Compensation PlansDoes your place of employment offer an equity compensation plan? Are you one of the 76% of people who have not exercised their stock options or sold shares of their company stocks? Mike Eklund is back after a hiatus and he is jumping in with both feet. He dives deep into the nitty-gritty of equity compensation plans. Since this can be a complicated subject you may want to consult a financial professional before making any big decisions about what to do with your company stock options. Watch corresponding Youtube video here. Why do companies offer equity compensation p...2019-11-0427 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementBuying a Timeshare: Trick or Treat?There’s a lot of conflicting information about buying a timeshare. Some call it the worst financial decision you could make. But is that true? On this episode, we invite Allison Berger to discuss the pros and cons of buying a timeshare. If you’ve ever been roped into one of those high-pressure sales meetings you’ll want to listen to consider if you made the right decision. Short YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RqfiAvdPS-I In this episode of Financial Symmetry, host Chad Smith talks with Allison Berger about strategies for spotting timeshare scams and thinki...2019-10-2127 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe Dreaded IRS Letter: Dealing with a CP2000Every year there are approximately 140 million tax returns filed with the IRS and of those, 4 million will receive an IRS letter stating that there is a discrepancy. Your first instinct might be to panic, but don’t overreact. Grayson Blayzek is here to help us understand what you can do if you receive the dreaded CP2000. You’ll want to listen in not only if you have received a letter, but also to learn what you can do to prevent receiving one in the first place. Short Youtube video recap here: https://bit.ly/2NBiVkm You can t...2019-10-0724 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementTop Wealth Builders for the Retirement HomestretchMany of you are inching closer to retirement and the decisions you make now will have a big impact on your retirement lifestyle. It’s time to start thinking ahead and seriously consider your retirement strategy. Are you concentrating on the best ways to save to set up for the life you want in retirement? This is why we have created a pre-retirement checklist with 8 key wealth builder areas for you to consider. Listen in now to discover what you need to think about now that you are rounding the final stretch in this race to retirement. ...2019-09-2326 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementSave More Time & Money During Back to School Time This YearAre you looking for money and/or time-saving tips now that the summer is over and the kids are back to school? Summer can always feel expensive with summer camps, vacations, and then back to school shopping. With fall approaching and the kids back in school, we put together a list of ways you can save time and money to make this year better than the rest. Time-saving tips Look at how you spend your time at home and see what you can contract out. Can you hire someone to clean or cut the yard? The more you...2019-09-0921 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementCreating a Better Framework for Making Financial DecisionsHow do you make financial decisions? Are you intentional with your money? Short Youtube recap here: https://youtu.be/9g3s36KPm9E Most people have trouble articulating their framework for making financial decisions. It begins with finding a healthy balance between spending and saving. After these short-term decisions, examining your longer-term goals will have more meaning. So in this episode, we asked Cameron Hendricks to join us to help you understand how to create an intentional framework to make the right financial decisions for you and your family. There are only 5 ways to u...2019-08-2625 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementYour Retirement Secret Weapon: The Mega Backdoor Roth, Ep #91The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA could be the secret weapon you have yet to use in your retirement saving strategy. If you consider yourself a super saver, looking for alternative ways to save tax efficiently, this could be a great option. This strategy is of most interest to those maxing out all other tax-efficient savings accounts. Including standard employee 401k contributions, Roth IRA, 529, and HSA. In this episode, you'll see why we call this the secret weapon for super savers, as we breakdown who the Mega Backdoor Roth is for, why you might be interested in it, and how...2019-08-1224 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementA Few More to Add to Your Summer Reading ListHow do you pick the books you read? Do you get book recommendations from friends or are you in a book group? Do you use an Amazon Wishlist or social media to help you discover what you want to read next? In today’s episode, we have some book recommendations for you to consider. We try to bring you a variety of genres ranging from finance to self-help, to fiction. Check out our favorite books of the year and let us know which ones you have read or plan to read. Digital Minimalism Digital Minimalism might be the...2019-07-2922 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementYour Biggest Risk in Retirement? Could be Sequence of Returns RiskMost people know little or nothing about sequence of returns risk. The subject doesn’t make for the most interesting topic for cocktail party discussions. Some refer to it as your biggest retirement risk. Reason being, sequence of returns risk can have a major impact on how long your hard-earned savings will last through retirement. This week's episode we dive in to examples of how you could be affected and steps you could use to fight against it. Dollar-weighted returns vs time-weighted returns Many people aren’t familiar with the difference between dollar-weighted returns and time-weighted returns. Doll...2019-07-1525 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementMemorable Financial Lessons From Pop CultureOften in social conversations, it’s not uncommon to hear us say, “That reminds me of a scene in the movie…” to emphasize a point. Movies have a powerful way of presenting memorable situations where real life decisions and money intersect. Given the financial lens we view the world through, these financial themes jump off the screen to us. So in today’s episode, we put on our movie critic hats and have some fun discussing lessons we’ve spotted in films that we all can learn from. Some are obvious but in others, you have to dig a bit de...2019-07-0135 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementGuide to Preserving Yours or a Loved Ones LegacyNobody likes to talk about the 2 certainties of life: death and taxes. So much so that we delay important decisions on how to deal with our assets for our heirs. On this episode, Cameron Hendricks and Grayson Blazek join in to discuss specifics on how to handle accounts and property, filing taxes and how to better prepare for passing on your estate to your loved ones. Find out how to handle all of this now to save your loved ones added stress during a difficult time. Ensure that your loved ones are prepared to understand your financial life 2019-06-1732 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe Ins and Outs of Opportunity ZonesYou may have seen more news stories mentioning Opportunity Zones of late, but there are still plenty of questions surrounding this part of the latest tax reform. Today we're discussing the ins and outs of investing in Opportunity Zones to help you understand how, in the right circumstances, they could help you save thousands on your taxes. We’ll discuss what opportunity zones are, why they were created, what the tax benefits are and how to spot the risks involved when investing in opportunity zones. What are opportunity zones under the new tax law? The new tax la...2019-06-0325 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementUnlocking the Secrets to a Successful 401k RolloverRolling over your 401K is a complicated process so we brought in a few experts that have helped our clients rollover hundreds of 401K’s. Understanding the unexpected roadblocks surrounding a 401K rollover is a vital step in making the best decisions with your money. So listen to this episode to hear steps of how to properly rollover a 401K quickly and efficiently. How to rollover a 401K? Maybe you just left a job or maybe you need an in-service rollover but you are at the point that you need to rollover your 401K. So how do yo...2019-05-2034 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementAre You Winging Your Financial Future?What does your financial future look like? Do you feel it is secure and well planned out or are you just winging it? Winging it is a great idea for a Sunday afternoon drive or deciding to what to eat for dinner, but winging your financial future is a dangerous decision that will put your future stability at stake. Learn why people decide to wing it and what you should be doing instead, on this episode of the Financial Symmetry show. Short video recap here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCFFhFpRpVc What are the numbers...2019-05-0619 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhy Aren’t There More Women in Financial Planning?Financial advice has long been a male dominated industry. Women represent 51% of the US population, but only 23% of CFP® professionals are women and this percentage has stagnated over the past decade. Why is there a feminine famine in financial planning? Today we’ve invited Allison Berger and Grace Kvantas back on the show to discuss the 6 main challenges that prevent women from becoming financial advisors. As we shed light on these topics, we share ways we are fighting against these stigmas. We also celebrate Grace as the latest partner of Financial Symmetry. Listen to this episode to hear why there a...2019-04-2229 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementSold Your Business, Received an Inheritance? Here's the Next StepsYou've just sold your business. Or maybe you received an inheritance. Making decisions on how to handle the lump sum proceeds can be paralyzing. We all have that fear of making a mistake with the money and when the stakes are high, the fear is heightened. You might be wondering how wise it is to invest a big chunk of money with the markets near all time highs. When dealing with a lump sum, there is more to consider than just investment decisions. Listen to this episode to hear about the things you may not have thought about when...2019-04-0825 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementEverything You Need to Know About the New Federal Tax FormsHave you checked out the new federal tax forms? You probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to prepare your taxes this year. With the new tax code here you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get familiar with the new federal tax forms. But before you get started you need to arm yourself with as much information as you can about the new tax code. That’s why today we brought our very own tax extraordinaire, Grayson Blazek to share his extensive knowledge of the new federal tax forms. Listen to this episod...2019-03-2530 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow Do Millionaires Spend Their Time?It wasn't that long ago that the most popular television show in America was named "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" Before that, in the 1980s, we were enamored with "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." There's something about the idea of becoming a Millionaire that fascinates us. But what is it about the wealthy that sets them apart from the rest of the population? How are their choices different from the average investor? If you've ever read Thomas J. Stanley’s The Millionaire Next Door, you might have a bit of an idea. We recently read The Next Mi...2019-03-1129 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementAre You Speaking the Same Financial Language?Money and relationships don’t always go hand in hand. Making you wonder if you and your partner are speaking the same financial language. If money is causing stress in your relationship, you are not alone. 31% of couples say that the biggest cause of stress in their relationship is money. We want to help you communicate better with your partner about money. On this episode, Allison Berger joins us to discuss four common financial disagreements in couples. Listen in to learn how to better your relationship with your partner and with money. You spent how much on that? ...2019-02-2527 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementOur 2019 Investment OutlookOur listeners and clients often ask: Is now a good time to invest? Or what should I invest in? We give feedback on both these questions in our 2019 Investment Outlook episode. Be sure to check out the show notes for this episode in particular as we provide detailed charts to help demonstrate our discussion. If you are curious as to whether now is the time to jump into the stock market, what role bonds play in your portfolio, or what the experts say about the future of the markets then you'll want to listen to this episode. 2008 Review 2019-02-1123 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Avoid the Financial Mid-Life CrisisIf you're a mid-career professional, life is full of demands. You've worked incredibly hard to get here. You're sandwiched between young kids and aging parents. Your job is challenging and life is busy. Be it a technology company, medical practice or your own small business, stress comes with the territory during this season of life. This is fertile ground for growing a financial mid-life crisis. With all that's going on, it’s hard to know if you are making the right financial choices, because you don't have time to stop and focus on the financial considerations of the moment. Un...2018-10-0828 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement3 Frequently Asked Financial QuestionsOn this episode of Financial Symmetry, Chad and Mike revisit a few previous episodes to cover some important financial questions that frequently come up. Taken from episode 6 is the question: Do I need a financial plan? With this question comes further questions. You’ll want to listen in to hear what the answers are. Episode 11 asks the question: What little things can you do to improve your financial life? There are so many little things you can do to improve your finances, listen to this episode to hear what they are. The last question is taken from episode 13. How wi...2018-08-2724 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat Tops Your Financial Bucket List?All of us have a subconscious financial bucket list of things we want to accomplish. After having meetings with thousands of clients collectively over the years, we have a pretty good sample size of the biggest checklist items people would include on their financial to-do list. Now it’s Chad’s turn to share reflections on his 40th birthday. While Mike looked back highlighting lessons he’d learned, Chad looks forward describing the biggest bucket list items people hope to accomplish within their personal finances. Everyone has different things that they worry about or financial goals they are trying to achi...2018-08-1328 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Financial DecisionsDid you know that your natural human behavior could be affecting your finances in a negative way? Behaviors may seem like small decisions but they build up over time. Human behavior makes a big difference in whether you are able to reach your financial goals. On this episode, Mike and I explore how human behavior impacts your financial choices. We have discovered 5 secrets to improve the way you go about making financial decisions. Are you looking for new ways to improve your finances? If so, then listen to this episode to hear 5 ways to improve your financial decisions....2018-06-0430 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementTax Solutions for Charitable GivingCharitable giving fills a need in our society and betters it as a whole. And until recently, donating to nonprofits helped people receive attractive deductions on their tax bills. With the recent tax law change, it’s important to understand how your charitable contributions will affect your next tax return. We want to make sure that you continue to get the biggest tax benefit possible when giving to your favorite charities. So in this episode, we discuss a strategy to help you find the best tax solutions for your charitable gifting going forward. How charitable giving has been re...2018-05-2119 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementEnsure Financial Success With Our Top 5 Money Tips for MillennialsHeather Gudac and Haley Modlin join Mike and me on this episode of the Financial Symmetry podcast to discuss how to become a financially successful millennial. We have had targeted advice toward other age groups in the past, and now we’re excited to find ways to help out the younger generation. Heather and Haley have worked hard to put together a fantastic list of five money tips for millennials to help them become financially savvy. Be sure to listen to this episode to hear excellent ideas to get you or your favorite millennial on the road to financial su...2018-05-0725 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementFind Out Why a Simple Will is Better Than No Will at AllDo you know what the number one most avoided financial subject is? On this episode of The Financial Symmetry Podcast, we are diving deep into estate planning where you'll learn why it is so avoided and why you really shouldn't avoid it. Cameron Hendricks joins us on the show today to help us navigate this touchy subject. Estate planning is easy to forget to do and so many people end up putting it off so that it is actually the most avoided subject when it comes to financial planning. If you don’t have a proper estate plan you ne...2018-04-2326 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement5 Important Financial Strategies to Consider After the Death of a SpouseAllison Berger and Grace Kvantas are stepping in for Mike on this episode. They join us to talk about how to navigate through a life crisis, specifically financial considerations after the death of a spouse. It’s hard to think financially after such a terrible emotional blow, but proper financial planning can help ensure that you will have less to worry about in the years to come. Listen to this episode to hear our top 5 financial planning opportunities to think about after the death of a spouse. How to prepare your taxes after the death of a spouse ...2018-04-0923 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat Investment Decision Process Should You Implement?When it comes to investments, too many people take a haphazard approach when what they need is an investment decision process that makes the most of a number of different available resources. This episode of the podcast is aimed at helping you understand what goes into a good investment decision process and how the team at Financial Symmetry approaches investments for its clients. Chad and Mike discuss market indicators and how they impact a good investing strategy, how consumer sentiment figures in, and why it's important to make use of the technical data available. You're going to get an...2018-02-1246 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhy Do You Need an HSA?One of the most asked questions we receive centers around the HSA. It's also one of the largest missed opportunities for tax savings we see people are missing, if they are eligible. Health Savings Accounts, known also as HSA, are gaining more and more popularity. But there is still a lot of confusion on how this account is different. Join us this week, as we break down the ins and outs of all you need to know about how an HSA can benefit you and your family. We address why so many are still not using these...2017-12-0429 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow Likely Are You to Build Wealth?What if you knew the secret to building wealth? For many, asking that question alone is part of the problem. That's because it's less of a secret, and more of a discipline of small habits and behaviors we are programmed to ignore. Whether it's how easy we get distracted or our propensity to keep up with the Joneses, understanding our thought patterns around these topics is informative and can lead to trans-formative long-term behavior change. Join us for this episode, as we discuss the specific researched backed factors it takes for each of us to build wealth. The mindsets, h...2017-11-0629 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementSteps to Take After The Equifax BreachInterest remains high of how to protect yourself after the Equifax Credit scandal. The good news is there are steps to take to mitigate your risks to guard your credit reputation. The bad news is that similar breaches have happened before and will happen again. Listen this week as Chad and Mike discuss ways thieves will try and take advantage and the details on steps you can take to decrease your risk of having your credit compromised.2017-10-0923 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow Should I Withdraw My Pension?How you take your retirement pension can be a more consequential decision than many people realize. The debate over whether to take your pension as a lump sum or as monthly payments can be tricky. On this episode, Chad and Michael share 5 things you should keep in mind when making decisions about your retirement pension. They cover some of the key terms you should know, and point out the importance of finding what age is the breakeven point in your calculations. Inflation is also key to factor into your decision, as well as how your pension will affe...2017-06-1824 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementTeaching Your Kids About MoneyEveryone has a unique road to financial literacy. One common trait we all share is that we hope to pass our wisdom on to the next generation, and that they will learn valuable lessons while they are young. In today’s episode, Chad and Mike share their best tips and tricks for educating your children about money. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2oTSL1K 2017-05-0426 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementTop Investment Lessons Learned by 40Mike's turning 40! As he hits this milestone, they guys explore the lessons he learned over more than 17 years in the financial services industry. Mike and Chad will reflect on the top 10 lessons learned from these experiences in this week's episode of the Financial Symmetry Podcast. Top 10 Investment Lessons Learned Following the crowd is not a recipe for investment success. It’s OK to be different. Sometimes saying no is the best decision. Making yourself more marketable and attractive to employers through personal development will only help you in the long term through increased earnings and job sec...2017-01-3132 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Achieve Your New Year's ResolutionsDid you meet your New Year's Resolutions last year? Have you set goals for the New Year? In this episode, Chad and Mike discuss the five small steps you can take to make your resolutions attainable.2017-01-1728 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat Should You Do With Your Year-End Bonus?Many people don't have a great idea of what do do with their bonus at the end of the year. Should you spend it? Invest it all immediately? Invest it over the coming year? In this week's podcast, Chad and Mike explore your options and help you decide how to end your year. Music this week: Celebration (Single Version) – Kool & The Gang from the Album Celebrate! (1980) Don't Stop Believin' – Journey from the Album Greatest Hits (1988) Used under Fair Use. 2016-11-2921 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementAre You Procrastinating on Your Retirement Planning?, Ep #23Two-thirds of people admit to procrastinating when it comes to their retirement planning. In fact, the average person spends more time planning a vacation then than do planning for retirement. Non-urgent financial tasks love to find cracks in our to-do list, falling to the bottom fast. Mark Twain humorized this concept well with his quote, “Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?” Jason Zweig captured these problems in his book Your Money and Your Brain. He wrote “Unpleasant tasks often lead to pleasant results down the road. We often procrastinate the worst on thing...2016-11-0822 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementDon't Fail In Retirement!, Ep #22Can you really fail in retirement? For most people, retirement is that time on the horizon when you get to do what you want, when you want. But surprisingly, it's not all that uncommon for people to retire only to go back to work or face other unexpected negative events that occur which people are not prepared for. You spend a boatload of time planning the financial side of retirement (at least we hope you did). But how much time do you spend planning how you'll spend your time. In this episode, we...2016-10-2520 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement401k, for EmployeersNew regulations for 401k regulations are putting even more responsibility on the employer. Understanding these new laws can be a complex, and time-consuming task. Join Chad and Mike as they walk through the basics of what employers need to know to ensure they are ready for the changes. 2016-10-1119 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementMaking Decisions in Your 401k, RevisitedIn this episode, Chad and Mike take another look at the 401k, and how important it is to your retirement plan.2016-09-2723 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementDo You Know Your Financial Fitness?Much is made about keeping our physical fitness in good shape. But what about your financial fitness? In this episode, Chad and Mike discuss why its important to regularly take a survey of your financial fitness, and how you can improve it once you do.2016-09-1324 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Send a Kid to College Part 2: Just Before SendoffThis week, we're back up with the conclusion of our college planning episode! Mike takes a look at financial strategies for the final few years before your child goes to school, and what you can do to maximize your funding during this time.2016-08-3027 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementHow to Send a Kid to College Part 1: Early YearsThis week, we're covering one of Mike's favorite topics: college planning. Learn what to do during the early years of your child's life to ensure you have the resources you need to support their education.2016-08-2319 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementFPA NexGen Recap: Why We Go to ConferencesThis week, Chad brings on special guest Cameron Hendricks, CFP® to discuss his recent experience at the FPA NexGen conference, and why it is important for your financial advisors to attend conferences in general.2016-07-1922 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat Do You Do When the Market Panics?One thing is certain, there are always going to be panics in the market. Political turmoil, natural disasters and other factors will cause markets to move, and can make you wonder: should I sell all my investments and hope that it gets better? Chad and Mike discuss these issues to discover how you can avoid making common investment mistakes with uncertainty in the markets.2016-07-1220 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementMaking the Most of Your 401KIn this episode Chad and Mike discuss managing your 401k, and how to avoid common mistakes when saving in your retirement account.2016-06-2824 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementThe Usual Suspects: Financial Planning StyleIn this episode Chad and Mike discuss the top 5 questions they hear from their prospects, with special guest Allison Berger, CFP®.2016-06-1430 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementIt's the Little ThingsIn this episode, Chad and Mike do a "Top 10 Ode to David Letterman" of little things you can do immediately to get your finances back on track.2016-05-2419 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementWhat Happens to Prince's Estate?In this episode, Chad and Mike discuss Prince's lack of estate documents, and offer advice for listeners who may not yet have considered the importance of preparing a will. You can read a text version of this post on Nasdaq.com.2016-05-1024 min

Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with RetirementFinancial Gifts for GradsThis week, Mike and Chad take a look at the best financial gifts you can give a graduating high school or college student. 2016-04-2618 min