SML Planning Minute
SML Planning Minute podcasts provide timely and thought-provoking financial ideas and concepts for individuals, families and business owners. Be sure to listen in! Simply click on a topic below to access a podcast. You can also subscribe to one of the many service providers to listen on the go.
Can I Avoid the Dreaded IRS Audit?
Episode 328 – There are few things that create more fear and loathing than a so-called “exam letter” from the IRS. It means that you’re likely looking at a significant time commitment just to put together the documentation they’re looking for, along with potential new taxes, interest, penalties, and accounting fees. Here are a few things that may end up triggering a tax audit. Continue Reading Can I Avoid the Dreaded IRS Audit?
What Have Billionaires Been Up to Lately?
Episode 327 – Billionaires are considered role models by many and disliked by many others. Although relatively tiny in terms of numbers, they have an enormous influence on our economy. Where are they headed these days? Continue Reading What Have Billionaires Been Up to Lately?
Understanding Social Security Taxation
Episode 326 – There’s been a lot of talk lately about making Social Security income tax-free. This would certainly be a popular move, especially for seniors. But doing so comes at a steep price. Continue Reading Understanding Social Security Taxation
Five Reasons to Purchase Life Insurance for Your Children
Episode 325 – Should you buy a life insurance policy on your newborn or young child? Here are five things to consider. Continue Reading Five Reasons to Purchase Life Insurance for Your Children
Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains
Episode 324 – If your income goes up over time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to save more. If you’re not careful, “lifestyle creep” can make things worse. Here are a few ideas on how to fight back against lifestyle creep. Continue Reading Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains
Six Estate Planning Tips from Warren Buffett
Episode 323 – The investment wisdom of Warren Buffett is well known through his annual letter to shareholders. But he has some unique ideas about estate planning as well. Here are six of Buffett’s more important estate planning concepts. Continue Reading Six Estate Planning Tips from Warren Buffett
Are These the Good Old Days? – Revisited
Episode 322 – There’s bad news everywhere you look. Political polarization in the USA, war in the Middle East, and natural disasters all over the place. But what if things are actually better than we realize? Here are some reasons to celebrate. Continue Reading Are These the Good Old Days? – Revisited
Can Money Buy You a Longer Life?
Episode 321 – Can money buy you a longer life? Surprisingly, in some cases it can. Continue Reading Can Money Buy You a Longer Life?
Financial Infidelity is a Real Thing
Episode 320 – Financial infidelity is a real thing. And the problem may be worse than most people realize. Two new surveys provide us with some fascinating details. Continue Reading Financial Infidelity is a Real Thing
What is a Spendthrift Clause, and When Do People Use It?
Episode 319 – Life doesn’t necessarily get easier when you accumulate wealth. There’s always something to worry about, and at some point, if you’re lucky, your worries evolve from accumulating your wealth to protecting it. If you’re worried about future generations destroying the wealth you’ve worked to accumulate, a spendthrift clause could help ease your mind. Continue Reading What is a Spendthrift Clause, and When Do People Use It?
Is Gen Z Falling Behind Already?
Episode 318 – Generation Z, born after 1996, is just getting started with their financial lives. How are they doing so far? Continue Reading Is Gen Z Falling Behind Already?
Five Ways to Help Protect Yourself from Scams in 2025
Episode 317 – Be on the lookout. Internet scams are getting more sophisticated. Here are five ways to help protect yourself. Continue Reading Five Ways to Help Protect Yourself from Scams in 2025
Getting Life Insurance is Easier Than it Used to Be with Angela Thieschafer Revisited
Episode 316 – The process of getting life insurance is a lot easier than it used to be. In this podcast, we will learn why, with special guest Angela Thieschafer. Continue Reading Getting Life Insurance is Easier Than it Used to Be with Angela Thieschafer Revisited
What Counts as a Will?
Episode 315 – Can you write your own will simply by recording a video with your cell phone? Not so fast, a Montana court has ruled. In many cases, it needs to be in writing Continue Reading What Counts as a Will?
The Social Security Fairness Act: Is it Really Fair?
Episode 314 – The President is about to sign the Social Security Fairness Act into law. But is it really fair? And how does it affect Social Security’s solvency? Continue Reading The Social Security Fairness Act: Is it Really Fair?
Dealing with Grief and Your Finances at the Same Time
Episode 313 – It’s probably the last thing you want to think about if you’ve just lost your spouse. But no matter who you are, no matter what your situation, financial issues are always there, and no matter how difficult, you’re going to have to address them. Continue Reading Dealing with Grief and Your Finances at the Same Time
How Much Money Do You Need to be Considered Wealthy? – Revisited
Episode 312 – Do you have enough money to be considered wealthy? A recent survey by Charles Schwab and Company has the answer. Continue Reading How Much Money Do You Need to be Considered Wealthy? – Revisited
The Biggest Regrets People Have in Retirement, and Lessons for Future Generations
Episode 311 – There is so much that younger generations can learn from their elders. Not just from the things they got right, but from the things they got wrong. A recent study by the TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies can help young people figure out some of the things they can do for their own future by avoiding the same mistakes. Continue Reading The Biggest Regrets People Have in Retirement, and Lessons for Future Generations
Go Beyond Financial Considerations when Deciding to Downsize
Episode 310 – When you get past a certain age, downsizing always seems to sound like a good idea. But is it really? What are the really important considerations you need to keep in mind? Continue Reading Go Beyond Financial Considerations when Deciding to Downsize
One Third of People Have More Credit Card Debt Than Emergency Savings
Episode 309 – According to a recent study, an astounding 36% of Americans have more credit card debt than emergency savings, and 27% have no emergency savings at all. These sobering statistics spotlight a glaring hole in many Americans’ finances. If this is you, how do you start to climb out? Continue Reading One Third of People Have More Credit Card Debt Than Emergency Savings
