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We made it...100 episodes. After podcasting for nearly 2 years, Ken reflects on this accomplishment and thanks those who supported him. Upon hitting 100, Ken reflects on how planning is his number one takeaway when it comes to finances. Ken revisits the podcast’s most popular episodes that a majority of listeners gravitated to. Finally, Ken announces that he’s taking a sabbatical from the podcast to take pause and focus on other endeavors.  

Ken has always been a proponent of teaching your children financial literacy for adulthood. Ken would sit down with his children weekly to review their financial snapshots. Ken was limited however since the children couldn’t access their accounts autonomously. Enter FamZoo, a paid software program that enables children to manage their own financial accounts and optionally have debit cards – with parental oversight. Ken reviews this program for those looking to teach their children financial responsibility.

Ken tackles what financial advisor arrangement best suits you. If you’re new, not into DIY and would like to trust someone, then Commission or Fee Based might be for you. But surprisingly, Ken isn’t a fan of either of these structures. His preferred method is an hourly based fee where the advisor takes the time craft a financial plan tailored to you; a Bottom Line Up Front arrangement. Ken goes through all of these fee structures, offering up key details that will help you make your determination.

Tax Season is soon upon us, with many eligible to file taxes already. Ken walks you through some considerations that will allow you to properly and legally leverage the system. No list of forms needed for this episode, just your 2019 filing. What type of deduction did you use and what bracket do you fall in? Do you use itemized or standard deductions? There are ways to leverage both, depending on your situation. Ken briefly defines these terms and then guides you to an optimal filing.

How should we approach investing during these uncertain times? Ken gives us the short and resounding answer. Whatever your strategy is…keep doing it! This is where your strategy and planning is put to the test. Especially if you subscribe to the “index buy and hold” strategy. Don’t carefully craft your ship, just to abandon it at first sight of a stormcloud. Keep moving forward with your strategy – devoid of emotional decisions. Ken breaks down the logic behind this sound advice.

Ken discusses the value of rebalancing your portfolio on a regular, fixed schedule. This device is not meant for “gaming” or timing the market, but rather to correct your risk/return parameters. If funds over or under perform, your holdings may no longer reflect your goals. For example, if your riskier holdings outperform projections, your portfolio is overweighted with riskier assets. Ken walks you through the timing and tactics of a rebalance – including yearly cash injections or shuffling of holdings.

Ken continues his study of Paul Merriman and Richard Buck's financial insights. The duo, Ken explains, have begun developing a strategy that is simple for investors to implement. They found that proper asset allocation is key to success. To keep it simple, you allocate these funds to 1) A Target Date Fund and 2) A Small Company Value Stock Fund. Ken expands upon these funds and the simple math you can use to divvy up these funds. If your looking for simple, actionable steps, this episode is for you. https://paulmerriman.com/custom-allocation-calculator/

Ken rounds out his discussion of “We’re Talking Millions” covering the last 3 points in the book. Ken mainly focuses on #10: Dollar Cost Averaging and #12: Target Date Fund. Ken already covered #11 in Ep. 81-84. With Dollar Cost Averaging, you take the fear out of investing by investing a steady fixed sum over time. Target Date Funds are a set-and-forget asset paired with re-balancing that accomplishes most of the steps in this book. Listen in as Ken breaks down what these concepts are and how they work in your favor.

Ken continues his series discussing Paul Merriman’s new book “We’re Making Millions.” Points 7-9, some may argue, fly in the face of conventional investment wisdom.  #7: Invest in Small Company Stocks. #8: Invest in Value Stocks. #9: Buy and Hold. Traditionally, large company index funds are recommended, so why Small and Value picks? Ken breaks down the research and logic behind Merriman’s arguments. He compares these stock picks to the traditional picks and provides numbers that may surprise you. What’s the 40-year growth rate for small cap stocks? Is paying for Amazon worth it?

As promised, Ken continues discussing Paul Merriman and Richard Buck’s book “We’re Talking Millions,” this time focusing on points 4-6. Ken acknowledges that some of his opinions may differ from others – Ken aims to base his decisions on the research and facts available to him. Regardless, there is no assurances in investing. #4: Invest in many stocks instead of a few. #5: Keep your expenses low. #6: Invest in Index Funds, not Actively Managed Funds. Listen in as Ken expands upon these points and gives his perspective and personal experiences.  

Ken provides 12 tangible action items to help boost your retirement portfolio. No crazy gimmicks or portfolio flips, just 12 tried and true concepts. Ken pulls these items from Paul Merriman and Richard Buck’s book “We’re Talking Millions.” Some concepts you’ve heard of in past episodes, others will be enlightening. Listen in to this episode to get a brief overview of this book, as well as Ken’s point of view regarding the first few items.   https://paulmerriman.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Were-Talking-Millions-Supercharge-Retirement-ebook/dp/B08N6XLDR9

We’ve reached the final month of a long and difficult year. It’s time to take stock of your situation, do a little financial housekeeping and set yourself up for success in 2021. Ken walks you through a step by step checklist of how to do just that. Review your 2020 goals, how did you do? Review your balances and outline how you want to tackle them in the coming year. Coordinate with your tax accountant to leverage tax benefits. Listen in to get the full comprehensive to do list.  

Ken expands upon the concepts he introduced in episode 85 – leveraging a high-deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account. Dollar contributions to HSA accounts are totally tax free, both deposited and withdrawn. The only stipulation is that the funds are reserved for medical expenses. This will be one of the most tax savvy tools in your toolbox during retirement. Ken walks you through this hack (paying out of pocket, leveraging receipts) and explains where people get tripped up.

Happy Thanksgiving! This is a time of reflection and gratitude. Ken takes the time to reflect on his own standing; grateful for his blessings and accomplishments throughout his journey. Ken reflects on his business, education, spirituality and family. Growing net worth is so much more then your balance sheet. It’s about the choices we make, the time we spend and the person we become in the process.

Part Two of Ken’s Open Enrollment discussion. Last week he zeroed in on health insurance, this week he covers all the rest. This is a great episode for understanding all the benefits available to you. This includes Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Disability Insurance. How are these plans structured? Ken then takes it a step further and teaches you the hacks to leverage these benefits.

It’s November meaning most employers are exposing their employees to open enrollment plans. Ken offers up some ideas, concepts and even hacks regarding your health care plan. Across the country, we’re seeing a 4-5% increase in costs. Ken offers up two different plans for you to consider: A Traditional Insurance Plan or a High Deductible Health Plan. Ken outlines the considerations and differences between these two plans. Plus, Ken explains how a high deducible might actually be a hack.

The Rollover IRA is a popular tool that people use when changing their employers. Your 401k at an employer is under their plan. Rollover IRAs allow you to roll money over from that account in to your own, enabling you more control over your funds. Ken breaks down the rollover action, providing you a step by step process of what to expect. Ken also offers up some do’s and don’ts of fund management – such as avoiding taxable events.

Moving on the next tool in your Net Worth arsenal, a 401k is an employer sponsored retirement plan. 401ks allow employers to make tax deductible contributions to an employee’s savings account. Ken discusses key attributes of this type of account including a contribution “match” and “vesting schedules.” Ken explains how to utilize these features to the fullest – as well as 401k limitations. Finally, he teaches you how to set one up.

Ken continues his discussion of IRAs, this week the difference between a Roth and Traditional IRA. As discussed, both accounts are tax deferred. However, with Traditional IRAs, the money you put in can be tax deducted immediately. On the flip side, the money put in a Roth is taxed that year, but the withdrawal at retirement is tax-free. Based off of this information, Ken encourages you to understand what tax bracket you fall in – that will help you determine which one better suits your situation.

Ken shifts focus to a tangible action that you can use to grow your Net Worth, by utilizing an Individual Retirement Account. IRAs are tax deferred, meaning as it gains value over time (due to investment) you don’t have to pay taxes on that gain. Ken outlines the features of an IRA and how to utilize it. Most people are excited to set up an IRA but tend to drop the IRA process when they reach the investment phase. Ken talks you through this process in hopes to avoid the feeling of uncertainty.