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.
Rule Change Allows Grandparents to Give More to College 529 Plans
Episode 191 – Section 529 plans have long been a common method for a grandparent to help fund college expenses. And a new rule could make them even more popular. Continue Reading Rule Change Allows Grandparents to Give More to College 529 Plans
Making the Right Choices With Your Wealth
Episode 190 – Regardless of what you want to do with your wealth, such as leaving it to family, charity, government, or spending it all, you will need to plan for your intended outcome. Doing nothing is not going to work. Continue Reading Making the Right Choices With Your Wealth
Roth IRA Conversion: To Convert or Not to Convert
Episode 189 – While Roth IRAs are very attractive because of tax-free growth and tax-free qualified distributions, there are many considerations when deciding to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Continue Reading Roth IRA Conversion: To Convert or Not to Convert
Successfully Working with Clients in a Virtual Environment with Marvin Bulas Interview
Episode 188 – COVID-19 changed the financial world forever, and client communications are no exception. Learn what’s new here, with special guest Marvin Bulas. Continue Reading Successfully Working with Clients in a Virtual Environment with Marvin Bulas Interview
Is it Worth Moving to Another State Just to Save Taxes?
Episode 187 – The trend is undeniable. Many people are moving from high tax states to low tax states. But is it really worth it? Continue Reading Is it Worth Moving to Another State Just to Save Taxes?
The IRS Announces “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2022
Episode 186 – The “Dirty Dozen” IRS annual list of Tax Scams for 2022 has been released. What new things are they focused on? Continue Reading The IRS Announces “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2022
Balancing Life Insurance Needs with Your Budget Revisited
Episode 185 – Generally, when discussing life insurance, individuals want the largest amount of death benefit for as little cost as possible. However, we must take into account your protection goals while staying within your budget. The balancing act comes in when your life insurance goals and budget are aligned. Continue Reading Balancing Life Insurance Needs with Your Budget Revisited
Has ESG Investing Reached its Peak?
Episode 184 – ESG investing has become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, as government agencies start taking a closer look, can its success continue? Continue Reading Has ESG Investing Reached its Peak?
Social Security Trustees Report 2022: Doomsday Deferred
Episode 183 – The Social Security Trustees issued their annual report in June. The news is mostly good, but not entirely. Continue Reading Social Security Trustees Report 2022: Doomsday Deferred
Five Important Financial Truths about Millennials
Episode 182 – It’s hard to believe, but the oldest millennials are already approaching middle age. What makes them different from a financial point of view? Continue Reading Five Important Financial Truths about Millennials
Growing With Your Life Insurance Policy Revisited
Episode 181 - We take a look back at one of our favorite previous episodes that discusses how most consumers don’t understand the different types of life insurance available and the roles each plays. Purchasing a whole life insurance policy on a minor...
Disinheriting Adult Children for Their Political Beliefs
Episode 180 – We’ve all heard stories of Thanksgiving dinners gone terribly wrong. The food is great, the mood is good, and everyone is happy to see each other. But it all goes terribly wrong when politics enters the room. Continue Reading Disinheriting Adult Children for Their Political Beliefs
Are Irrevocable Trusts Truly Irrevocable? – It Depends
Episode 179 – The word “irrevocable” sounds so formal and final. Fortunately, in the world of estate planning, particularly in today’s modern times, irrevocable does not truly mean irrevocable. Continue Reading Are Irrevocable Trusts Truly Irrevocable? – It Depends
IRS Surprises with New Proposed Regulations on RMDs
Episode 178 – The IRS issued SECURE Act proposed regulations earlier this year. The new rules, while not finalized yet, contain surprises that were not apparent at first glance, especially when it comes to RMDs. Continue Reading IRS Surprises with New Proposed Regulations on RMDs
Bank on Yourself with Marty Smith
Episode 177 – What exactly is “bank on yourself” and how does it work? In this podcast, we learn all the details you need to know from Regional Vice President Marty Smith. Continue Reading Bank on Yourself with Marty Smith
How Do You Get People to Save More Money Revisited
Episode 176 – Savings rates have dropped dramatically in recent decades. What can be done to change this? Financial literacy education can help. But recent studies show that understanding financial psychology can make an even bigger difference. Continue Reading How Do You Get People to Save More Money Revisited
Getting Back to the Basics Revisited
Episode 175 – Between personal responsibilities and career commitments we tend to overlook the fact that there are certain basic areas that we need to pay attention to. If these basic areas are not addressed. there may be serious gaps in our financial plan. Learn just how critical this is as we revisit one of our popular episodes. Continue Reading Getting Back to the Basics Revisited
The Great Resignation: Was It Worth It?
Episode 174 – The so-called “Great Resignation” has had a significant impact on the way we work. What are the long-term implications? Continue Reading The Great Resignation: Was It Worth It?
Giving Wisely and Avoiding Scams
Episode 173 – The crisis in Ukraine has brought out the spirit of generosity in many Americans. But with so many potential ways to help, how can we be sure we’re not getting scammed? Continue Reading Giving Wisely and Avoiding Scams
Can We “Fix” Social Security by Raising the Age?
Episode 172 – As the annual Trustees’ report looms, there have been a number of proposed “fixes” to the Social Security system. Is an increase in Full Retirement Age a possibility? Continue Reading Can We “Fix” Social Security by Raising the Age?
