Keep it Simple

Everything You NEED to Know About Secure Act 2.0

Today on Keep It Simple we’re getting into a new law, The Secure Act 2.0. This law is the government’s way to remove obstacles to retirements to make it easier for the average American to save money for retirement. The Asset Builder team is explaining some of the changes this law brings that normal individuals should be aware of. 25% of American adults don’t have savings, so if you fall under that statistic the Secure Act 2.0 helps you out by allowing you to catch up on your retirement contributions.

Arguably the most important change that comes from the Secure Act 2.0 is the rules surrounding Roth accounts. We’re talking about Roth accounts in detail and these accounts can be huge assets to individuals. QCCs are also changing a little bit and are a great tool to use. Arguably the biggest change Secure 2.0 is making is requiring businesses to defer 3% of their employee’s incomes into retirement accounts. This law will change things for you, whether in big or small ways, so it is important for you to go talk to your advisor to find out how it’ll impact you.

Connect with the Keep It Simple team online at assetbuilder.com

[00:00] Show intro

[00:30] Welcome to the show

[02:01] Changes to the laws: Secure 2.0

[03:54] Why is the government changing retirement?

[07:35] The changes brought by Secure 2.0 individuals need to know about

[09:47] What is a catch up contribution?

[14:58] Matching towards your Roth IRAs

[18:50] The math behind Roth IRAs

[21:43] Qualified charitable contributions

[25:28] Requiring all companies to defer 3% to employee’s retirements

[29:01] Student loan forgiveness

[30:52] Go talk to your advisor

[32:19] Closing comments

What Should You Do With A Christmas Bonus?

2022 was a rollercoaster of a year, but some lucky people got a year end bonus. The key to spending a bonus well is to make a plan for when that extra income rolls into your bank account. In this episode of Keep It Simple, we’re laying out the things you should consider when you’re planning for that Christmas bonus.

 

Whether you decide to pay off debt, add to your retirment account, or invest, use your bonus to set yourself up for success. Life happens, and making sure you’re ready to roll with the punches financially. Aside from backing up your financial future, using a bonus can be a great opportunity to invest in yourself. All this advice and more on today’s episode of Keep It Simple.

 

Listen in and don’t forget to check out our website linked below.

www.assetbuilder.com

 

[00:00] Show intro
[00:29] Shout out to Joey!
[01:19] Paying off debt
[03:47] Debt considerations
[05:11] Bulk up your retirement account
[07:49] Investing that bonus
[11:29] Restocking an emergency fund
[14:19] What is a 529 plan?
[18:36] Investing in yourself
[23:10] Minimizing the amount of cash you’re sitting on
[24:16] Saving for your next vacation or other big ticket items
[25:45] Closing comments
[27:09] Outro

 

December Notebook Dump - Inflation, Debt, and the Fed

We are welcoming Joey, a lead advisor here at Asset Builder, to this episode of Keep It Simple. Join us for a brain dump where we’re talking about inflation and debt. Inflation is starting to slow which indicates interest rates will slowly start coming down. We’ve all been on the struggle bus with the high cost of living that’s come with inflation, especially our grocery bills. We’re going to discuss some things we’ve done to help combat the cost of inflation. Alongside inflation, debt has been increasing. With auto and home loans, household debt has been steadily growing. So how do we start the conversation about it? Listen in to find out. Towards the end of this episode we’re pulling out our crystal balls and making predictions for where 2023 is going. 

 

Connect with Adam or Joey

Website- https://assetbuilder.com/

  

[00:00] Show intro 

[00:29] Welcome to Joey 

[02:35] Inflation: the one and only 

[08:47] Income vs. debt 

[15:46] Having conversations about debt with people 

[21:31] Predictions for 2023

[24:48] Some things Adam and Joey are handling from clients

[28:16] Wrapping it up 

 

The Art of Reading Returns

On today’s episode of Keep It Simple, learn how to approach and interpret a return and what different returns mean. Return formulas can be confusing, and since they are invaluable we are taking the time today to break things down and go over the things you need to look for when evaluating your returns. You need to know what you’re measuring, what you’re measuring with, and what you’re measuring against. Our goal is to help you make good choices when you are looking at changing your approach to returns to help you profit later. Remember that you don’t need all the data in the world, just a good strategy and consistency. The more you understand the more at peace you will be, so let’s get to learning.

 

Get in contact with Adam or Janet by clicking the link below: 

www.assetbuilder.com/podcast

 

[00:00] Show intro 

[00:28] What we’re talking about today 

[01:15] The most common mistakes made with returns 

[03:23] Framework of mental checks when evaluating returns 

[09:14] Understanding the nature of the market 

[11:40] Knowing what you’re measuring with 

[14:47] Rolling returns 

[16:26] Why do rolling returns set better expectations?

[21:24] Knowing what you’re measuring against: benchmarks 

[29:32] The returns cheat sheet 

[33:47] Where to get more resources 

[34:33] Closing comments 

[35:02] Outro 

Could Medicare Be Anymore Complicated?

It’s never too early to start planning your future, so today we are talking about all things Medicare. We are breaking down all the parts of Medicare and explaining the pros and cons to the different paths you can take, as well as where to go if you need help sorting out your Medicare plan. Connect with Adam or Janet at their website, www.assetbuilder.com/podcast

[00:00] Disclaimer/show intro

[00:28] Episode intro

[01:21] The body line of the episode

[03:47] Medicare and it’s structure

[07:31] How do you know when it’s time to enroll in Medicare?

[09:26] Why start Medicare right at 65?

[11:28] Part A and B: why are they separate and what are they?

[14:47] Shopping based on premiums vs. company vs. customer service

[18:09] What is Medigap and how to utilize it

[23:19] Decision tree in regards to Medicare

[26:08] Resources for learning about Medicare

[31:19] Janet’s personal experience with Medicare

[35:16] Closing comments

[37:06] Wrap up and outro

Breaking Down the Student Debt Relief Plan

Investment Advisor Representatives Adam Morse and Janet Griffith discuss the recent Student Debt Relief plan announced by the White House and what it means for millions of Americans as well as the American economy.

 

www.studentaid.gov/loan-simulator

 

Have an idea for an episode? Email us!

 

podcast@assetbuilder.com

Will Social Security Run Out in 2030?

Adam Morse and Janet Griffith discuss the ins and outs of social security and how to prepare ourselves for whatever the future holds. 

 

Have an idea for an episode? Email us! 

podcast@assetbuilder.com

Responding to Elon Musk’s Tweet

Adam Morse and Janet Griffith respond to a well-known innovator billionaire, Elon Musk, who recently tweeted that Index investors are misallocating funds in the market. Listen to Adam and Janet's rebuttal on another exciting episode of Keep it Simple. 

 

Have an idea for an episode, email us! 

Podcast@assetbuilder.com

Inflation vs Stagflation – What’s the Difference?

Investment Advisor Representatives Adam Morse and Janet Griffith discuss the history of stagflation and how it affects our economy today. 

 

Have an idea for an episode? - email us and let us know

podcast@assetbuilder.com

How to Invest in an Unpredictable Market

Adam Morse and Janet Griffith know a volatile market can challenge your mettle – especially if you're retired. But they also know that the investors that stick it through come out ahead in the long run. Today we offer a gentle reminder to ignore the headlines and follow the historical data instead. 

 

Have an episode suggestion? We want to hear it. 

Podcast@assetbuilder.com