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Many believe that if they just had more money, their problems would go away. Are there Money Myths you believe and act upon as it relates to your personal finances and goals? Today, Brad exposes some of these money myths and reaffirms what you know to be true and challenges the advice you may have been told is true. Listen now. Show Highlights Include: The concept of stewardship. (4:07) I will be happier when... (6:40) You only live once 'YOLO'. (9:33)  Willpower and the coffee buzz.(10:58)  Are you the 1 in 5? (14:31) Wanting more is a bad thing. (18:37)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Depending who you listen to or what you read, the word "Recession" has been tossed around since the beginning of 2022. But like many political or geopolitical hot points, there is always more to the story. In today's episode, Brad discusses whether or not we are truly in a recession and if it has an effect on how we go about our daily lives. Listen now! Show Highlights Include: GDP And A Rule Of Thumb. (2:42)  The Numbers Don't Lie. (6:14)  Pay Attention To These Environments.(8:20)  The Last Recession. (12:53)  Who Is Your Co-Pilot?. (15:18)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

When looking back the past couple of years, seeing the affects of the pandemic as it relates to market volatility, it gets convoluted. Where did we go wrong?  In this episode, Brad takes a closer look at  the Fed's response to the shutdowns and places a focus on some of the actions that were taken. It is easy to be laser focused on one area or problem but if we can look at the bigger picture and stay disciplined, the outlook can be bright. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: It's How You Hear It (3:44)  Learning The Same Lesson Twice (8:40)  M2 Growth Explosion(13:49)  Shrink The balance Sheet. (17:50)   Don't Focus on One Speck In The Windshield. (20:15)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Media pundits have covered the story around the shortage of baby formula and how it relates to our supply chain issues. However, there is more to this story as it relates to the current inflation numbers. In this episode, Brad discusses how the effect of the past two years has trickled down to some of history's basic necessities.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: What Did We Do Before Baby Formula? (2:16)  Oligopoly And WIC. (6:32)  The Federal Reserve And Increased Rates.(10:17)  GDP Is NOT The Only Measure.. (11:45)  Sticking To The Plan, Even When It Is Sticky. (14:25) To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Market downturns and volatility are hot topics in our current climate. Anywhere you turn, someone is talking about it. But sometimes, listening to the "noise" out there can cause  us to be fearful. In this episode, Brad discusses market downturns and how we can adjust our outlook during market volatility by focusing on the rational mind instead of the emotional mind.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: Fear of your teeth falling out (2:31)  Looking forward, not backward. (5:38)  Risks upon risks.(11:20)  Cashing out and being smart twice.. (14:47)  Deferred comp is a living breathing animal. (18:59)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

The topic of retirement  has been on many people's minds when it comes to the culture of today's issues surrounding market volatility. In today's episode, Brad takes us through the 3 important retirement buckets to consider in retirement and why all of us should understand how they can be used. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: Basic math (2:02)  Will my money last? (4:58)  The safety bucket.(8:49)  The income bucket. (10:00)  The growth bucket. (14:18)  Not sexy, but tried and true. (16:58)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Many Americans are feeling the weight of market volatility, inflation, job growth and supply chain issues. However, if we tune out the noise of the media and politics and instead, look at the data; we can begin to understand what is really going on in the market. In this episode, Brad will take you through what has happened, what is going on and what the future could look like when it comes to your money. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: You lose, I win. (1:44)  We got used to the shutdown. (5:28)  This STAT has not changed since 1980! (10:50)  Interest rates and home buying. (10:10)  Loose money. (13:27)  We have the intelligence, not the stomach. (16:53) It is hard to predict the predictions. (18:46) To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

For many, the topic of taxes can cause fear and anxiety. In reality, it is more about the misunderstanding of taxes and how what we hear from the media that keeps us in a state of worry.  In this episode, Brad discusses the history of taxes can be a good indicator of where we are going. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: A history lesson on taxes. (2:59)  The Beatles and the burden. (4:32)  The bracket game(7:42)  We are all red-blooded Americans. (12:36)  The gap between national debt and taxes (15:20)  Buying assets on sale. (17:48)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

When it comes to our financial portfolio, it's not only about accumulation and distribution. We all want the quick and easy steps for a successful plan but it's not so cut and dry. In this episode, Brad discusses the 3 things everyone should consider when it comes to designing your portfolio. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: What growth should look like. (1:32)  The younger brother of "rate of return" (5:15)  Grandpa says, make your money on the buy.  (7:33)  Standing the test of time. (10.57)  Only 5 places to invest. (13:29)  Not so conservative. (14:55)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

A question often asked is... Is diversification risky? Risk means different things to different people, and we all want to reduce risk in our lives but many people don't think about diversifying their portfolios and how it relates to risk reduction.  Today, Brad discusses the topics of diversification and risk and how the two relate when it comes to our investments. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: Kids and diversified foods (1:59)  Hypocrisy of risk. (5:29)  Nothing lasts forever.(8:29)  What we can learn from the 1970's. (12:02)  What we buy today, matters tomorrow. (13:05)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Some say the word "recession" is the evil sister or brother of depression. This economic term gets widely used, especially in the media. We hear speculation and rumors about that word and for some, it can be alarming and concerning. In this episode, Brad provides a fundamental, economic overview as to what we might be seeing as it pertains to the idea of a recession. Listen now.  Show Highlights Include:  Diversification for a 6 year old (2:25)  Pessimism overdone. (5:50)  Supply chain problem or just a supply problem? (7:34)  Demand for workers remains robust. (9:42)  Debt service payments are low for consumers and companies. (10:40)  There is still room for economic news. (12:46)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding market volatility. Media outlets are selling fear but focusing on the core things around the discussion of recession and some of the indicators of the yield inversion can equip us in the current climate. In this episode, Brad reiterates his passion that planning and making sure you have a cohesive and integrated financial plan, coupled with discipline is vital as you head toward retirement.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: The flurry of global and geopolitical events. (3:25)  When the Fed tightens. (7:17)  Bumps in the road. (9:01)  Economic impacts in Europe vs the U.S.. (13:18)  The growth rate looks positive. (16:06)  What's going to stick? (18:53)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

Whether or not you are in good times or bad times, the question of whether or not it is a good time to invest comes up often. In this episode, Brad talks about how it's not about timing the market but time IN the market and how to discover what makes most sense for you. Show Highlights Include: The impact on the economy during the pandemic. (3:55)  What is dollar cost averaging?(7:29)  How to know when it's your time.(11:57)  There could be room to fall. (16:54)  Conservative, really isn't conservative. (18:21)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

The way we look and approach our finances is often dictated by our behaviors, so it is very important to have a plan and stick to it. In this episode, Brad discusses the difference between the emotional side and the rational side of investing and what you can do to take control of your finances.  Show Highlights Include: The psychology of money is profound (1:31)  Timeless lessons on wealth(4:15)  If you lose your head, none of it matters.(10:05)  The market and the economy are separate.(13:45)  It's not about timing the market but time in the market. (15:39)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, sanctions were placed on Russia. This has affected crude oil and inflation, but what is the history of sanctions in the United States? In this episode, you’ll learn how sanctions, interest rates and inflation affect our economy and the housing market.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: The history of sanctions (1:55)  How the increase of the price of a barrel of oil, increases inflation. (5:40)  We've seen market volatility for awhile but since the recession of 2008, we've had a steady market and historically low interest rates.(8:49)  Interest rates and home buying. (10:10)  What is the M2 measure, printing money and how we are managing portfolios. (13:30)  What matters for the economy is how the higher rates affect the pace of home construction. (18:35)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-410-5454.

After a soaring bull market since The Great Recession, the investing world stopped dead in March 2020. It rebounded quickly, but we’re heading towards more market volatility than we had in the past decade.  A volatile market doesn't have to mean watching all your investments go down the drain. But it is a time to make sure your strategy has proven, timeless investing strategies.  Not only do these strategies protect your wealth, but they can also grow it.  In this episode, you’ll discover the 10 timeless investment strategies and how they help you thrive during any market.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: How looking like a drug dealer when making large purchases keeps your portfolio healthy and growing (5:51)  Why Dave Ramsey is dead wrong about debt (and 3 filters to use it to become wealthier) (7:19)  The “Time Horizon” technique which transforms market volatility anxiety into excitement and unfair returns (8:37)  The boring, yet powerful reason why the 401k is the largest liquid retirement account for Americans (and how to duplicate this with other accounts) (10:19)  The sneaky “Rebalancing” trick for making more money in your portfolio with minimal effort and capital (11:50)  The “Conversative Bonds Cushion” which shrinks your risk during turbulent markets to almost zero (14:09)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-409-8150.

Fear and anxiety around investing can wreck your portfolio and sabotage your golden years before they even begin.  Either your fear causes you to take uncalculated and unnecessary risks. Or it makes you as conservative as sticking your money in a savings account.  That’s the bad news.  The good news?  Calming your fears is easier than you think.  In this episode you’ll discover the 3 types of fears which cripple your wealth and 5 simple ways to overcome them.  Listen now and protect your wealth before it’s too late. Show Highlights Include: The weird way remembering cherished memories helps you make smarter, more profitable investments (5:09)  The 3 deadly fears which will wipe out your portfolio if left unchecked (5:43)  How “faking it until you make it” with your finances leads to a wealthier retirement (12:07)  Why buying groceries for your neighbor can shrink your financial anxiety (even if it seems like it will make it worse) (14:41)  The 5 “Fear Killers” for preventing your fears from eating your wealth (21:10)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-409-8150.

Do you know how to figure out when you should retire?  Retiring too early can deplete your money during your golden years and force you back into a job. And retiring too late can steal the best years of your life from your grasp.  Since retirees want to avoid both of these scenarios, wondering when it’s time to retire is the most commonly asked question I get.  In this episode, you’ll discover three things you must do to determine the exact time you should retire. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: The weird psychological quirk that can delay your retirement by 5 years (or more) (2:34)  How to prevent running out of money in retirement (even if you retire sooner than most people) (6:17)  Why Googling retirement investment advice can plummet your portfolio (even if you find some big winners) (6:45)  The simple “1-2-3 Punch” method for figuring out the perfect time to retire (9:52)  The “4-5% Rule” for making your assets outlast you (13:00)  Why dynamic retirement plans wipe out your anxiety about running out of money during your golden years (even if inflation skyrockets) (16:28)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-409-8150.

Most financial advisors don’t integrate your entire retirement plan, which bites off a big chunk of wealth during your golden years.  You need to plan more than just your investments. You also need cash flow planning, tax planning, estate planning, and insurance planning. If you’re missing any of these ingredients, you’re robbing your future self.  But most financial advisors don’t cover all these different plans.  Why?  The barrier to entry as a financial advisor is low, so many aren’t worth their salt. But some advisors are more insidious — they serve their business before your retirement plan.  In this episode, you’ll discover 3 ways to choose a financial advisor that will work for your interests instead of theirs. And why integrating all these plans best protects (and grows) your wealth during retirement.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: The “Integration Secret” for retirement which prevents you from searching for a job during your golden years (1:25)  The innocent way your CPA steals your retirement wealth (1:54)  3 things your financial advisor must have or else they’ll squander your wealth (5:22)  The “Bracket Game” which minimizes your tax burden during retirement (and why your accountant hides it from you) (14:10)  The almost too-simple filter for finding a financial advisor who works for your best interest instead of theirs (17:00)   To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-409-8150.

Many Americans worry about what the Ukraine/Russia conflict means for their portfolio. While some think this is selfish, it’s not. The more financially stable you are, the more you can support causes you believe in.  Here’s why I bring it up: Despite the Ukraine/Russia conflict causing volatility in some commodities, especially oil, there are reasons to be optimistic about the market.  In this episode, you’ll discover why the global economy is in better shape than the media portrays. And the best way to protect your wealth through this uncertain time.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: 3 economic realities which whip away your financial worries about the Ukraine/Russia conflict (5:50)  Why prices should moderate and become less volatile over the next few weeks (6:43)  How fear drives both massive green days and vast red days in the market (and how to best protect your wealth) (9:59)  The “Double D” approach to investing which all but guarantees you’ll win out in the market (11:56)  Why the global economy is like a car with chipped paint, a cracked windshield, and an engine in mint condition (15:31)  To schedule your free retirement tracking meeting, specifically for first responders, head to http://pensionattention.com/ or call us at 805-409-8150.