Your Life Your Wealth

November 23, 2021

The holiday season is officially here.  It’s a time when many of us gather with family to celebrate. Talking about money over turkey may be less stressful than getting into politics or social issues. Whether it’s about gratitude or charitable giving, safe money discussions are a natural way to avoid indigestion. CFN’s Dennis Jablonoski and Jim Tate, CPA, talk about safe money discussions you can have around your holiday table, conversations you won’t regret!

November 19, 2021

Questions about cryptocurrency are among the most common we receive. We’re frequently asked to explain what it is, how it works, how to buy it, how to use it, and should I own cryptocurrency in my retirement or investment portfolio? Today, CFN’s John Walker and Evan Salter shed some light on the risky, complicated world of cryptocurrency, to help you determine whether or not you should own cryptocurrency.

November 12, 2021

Inflation is a growing concern.  American’s are experiencing price increases at a rate not seen in over 30 years. Steve discusses the reasons for current inflationary conditions and its impact on wage earners and retirees.  He details action steps to help ease the pain of rising prices and effective tools used at CFN to more accurately project inflation’s future impact on your Life & Wealth.

November 5, 2021

For many retirees, spending money on life’s pleasures is often a source of guilt, even if they can easily afford to spend the money. The guilt may be motivated by a fear of running out of money, or even a perception they are cheating their heirs out of an inheritance. As we head into the holiday season, guilt free spending is our theme for November. Steve shares retirement planning strategies to help you better enjoy your retirement with guilt free spending.

October 29, 2021

It’s clear that when putting together a successful retirement plan, managing wealth is only one component. A successful plan includes discovering what you intend to spend your money on, how you will maintain your social network, and ideas for investing in personal relationships. After years of researching the key to real retirement happiness, Michael Finke, of the American College of Financial Services, discusses his important findings. The result of this conversation reinforces the fact that real retirement happiness cannot be found exclusively through money or wealth.

October 22, 2021

We continue our October theme of charitable giving by exploring the scientifically documented mental and physical benefits of helping others. CFN’s John Walker welcomes Stephen Post, PhD Professor, Founding Director of The Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University. Dr. Post is the author of several books including “Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving.”  He explains how you can enjoy the mental and physical benefits of helping others as much or more than helping yourself.

October 15, 2021

The Social Security Administration announced a 5.9% increase in benefits for 2022. For many Americans in retirement, Social Security is a key part of their retirement income. Steve Cordasco is joined by CFN’s Jim Tate, CPA, to discuss key strategies for maximizing your social security benefits. Be sure you understand these strategies to help you make the most of this income stream that will last through your retired years.

October 8, 2021

Uniform Transfers to Minors Act allows gift givers to transfer money, real estate or fine art to minors without the need for a guardian or trustee. UTMAs, a tax efficient gifting option, are an inexpensive way to give minors a financial leg-up, but there are limitations and cautionary notes you need to consider. CFN’s John Walker is joined by Kathy Mandelbaum, Associate Professor of Law at Temple University. They discuss this tax efficient gifting option and detail the pros and cons you need to know.

October 1, 2021

Helping others by giving to charity has a positive impact on the recipient, and also offers the donor many benefits. We get personal satisfaction by helping those less fortunate, while at the same time we can benefit from the tax advantages of charitable giving. CFN’s John Walker and Tim Joseph, CPA, discuss a variety of strategies that can help your donations go further for the causes you support, and present a win-win by helping you benefit from the tax advantages of charitable giving.

September 24, 2021

Economic conditions in China and investing in emerging markets are among the issues discussed. Steve Cordasco is joined by internationally known investor and commentator Jim Rogers. Jim Rogers, well known for his media appearances, was the co-founder of the Quantum Fund, Soros Fund Management and the Rogers International Commodities Index. He joins Steve from his home in Singapore.