We are back with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts recap some key takeaways from their Mid-Year Market & Economic Update webinar and share the secrets to shedding stress in the world's "blue zones." Finally, they review how money can buy happiness or at least be a major contributor to it. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Mid-Year Market & Economic Update Webinar Summary:
   • Learn Steve and Gabriel's perspectives on the current stock market performance, various factors impacting the economy, and a potential bubble on the horizon.
     
     
2. Stress Less in Blue Zones:
   • Uncover the secrets from those who live in "blue zones" and what is contributing to their longevity.
     
     
3. Money CAN buy happiness:
   • Discover how this study's findings demonstrate how your financial income can be a driving factor to your happiness.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share inspirational quotes and reveal tips from a 104-year-old "Lobster Lady" on how she maintains her long life. Then, they tackle common financial fibs and how to overcome them. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Quotes of the Month:
   • "A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." - Greg S. Reid
   • "Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small." - Sun Tzu
       
2. Tips for a Long Life:
   • Uncover the secrets to a long and happy life from the 104-year-old "Lobster Lady," whose longevity habits and passion for lobster trapping keep her thriving. 
     
     
3. Money Fibs You Tell Yourself:
   • Discover the most common limiting beliefs about money and learn how to adopt a healthier financial mindset.

After a short break, we return with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts explore the world of pensions and the various options they offer. Then, they explain the inside scoop with cash traps and answer some thoughtful listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Navigating Your Pension:
   • As pensions offer a variety of options, many individuals often ponder the advantages and disadvantages of opting for a lump sum.
   • Discover the differences between pension choices and ways to maximize your savings.
       
2. What is a Cash Trap?:
   • Learn the meaning of a cash trap and how tying up your funds now can affect future growth.
   • Gain insights into the advantages of adopting a broader perspective amidst periods of high inflation rates.
     
     
3. Listener Questions:
   • "I'm paying off my house soon and my pension, Social Security, and my husband's Social Security will add up to my monthly expenses amount. Should I stop putting more money in my 401k?" - Maria
   • "My mother recently passed and left me with an IRA with about $350,000 in it. What do I need to know about this account, and how should I invest it?" - Benny 

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share a harder part of owning a pet and the hidden costs of veterinarian practices. Then, with Independence Day coming up, they will explore what it truly means to be able to achieve financial independence. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Price of Being a Pet Owner:
   • As animal medicine becomes more high-tech, veterinarian prices increase, causing major concern for pet owners and their wallets.
   • Uncover how private equity firms are utilizing animal hospitals in a strategic yet deceptive way.
       
2. What is Financial Freedom?:
   • Learn the meaning of financial freedom and ways to achieve it with your budget and lifestyle choices.
   • Discover how to spend your earnings without feeling guilty and bound by financial burdens.

After a short break, we return with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts are excited to explore the economic effects of this heat wave and the new Illinois's DMV on-the-go program. Then, they discuss ways to manage those pesky RMDs. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Economic Impact of 2024 Heat Wave:
   • As this year's scorching heat continues to increase, learn how this heat wave negatively affects economic growth and productivity for many industries.
       
2. Illinois's First Mobile DMV:
   • Hate waiting in long lines at the DMV and wish it could just come to you? With the Illinois's 'DMV on Wheels' program, your wish is coming true. 
     
     
3. Managing RMDs Overview:
   • Discover multiple ways to approach RMDs and reduce RMD amounts that best suit your retirement needs.
   • Determine if a QLAC will be a helpful component in your retirement plan and what other alternatives are offered.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts begin the show with their spin on some of Yogi Berra's famous quotes, then they discuss the possible revival of a tool that had a major impact on the 2008 Housing Crisis. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Yogi-isms and 2024 Baseball Stats:
   • Discover legendary baseball player, Yogi Berra's "wise" words turned into financial advice including, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." and "It ain't over 'til it's over." 
   • Plus, a quick check-in on how well (or not well) the White Sox, Cubs, and Yankees are performing this baseball season.
       
2. Housing-Bubble Era Comeback:
   • June is National Homeownership Month, so let’s take a look at a headline that immediately caught our attention.  
   • History is repeating itself, as zero-down mortgages return, offering hope as well as risks.
   • Understand the implications of a no-down-payment home loan and how to determine if it is a good choice for you.

Welcome to another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! They are excited to share the cicada craze this year, how to not make any big financial decisions based on predictions, and their financial take on money management with some listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Cicada Emergence 2024:
   • Learn about the rare occurrence of two broods of cicadas appearing together at the same time this year and how they make their "lovely" screeching noises. 
      
2. Morgan Stanley's Poor Predictions:
   • A Morgan Stanley exec went back on his own word for the S&P 500 target, as he realized the market did not take a turn for the worse.
   • Discover why it's in your best interest to not make a financial decision based a prediction.
       
3. Write-In Article Question & Listener Questions: 
   • Write-In: "Do I continue with my current financial adviser or is it time to DIY?"
   • "I’m recently divorced and have just received money in a QDRO as part of our settlement. What are my options for what I can do with this money?" - Rebecca
   • "Should I continue with my 401k rollover or hold off since it’s performing well?" - Eric
   • "I’ll be receiving a settlement from a lawsuit and have some credit card debt and car loans that could be paid off entirely with the settlement, or I could invest the money instead. Do you have a recommendation?" - Alina

We’ve got another new episode of Our 2 Cents for you this week! Steve and Gabriel kick things off with traveling advice you can use this summer. Then, they share some eye-opening cost comparisons underscoring the impact of inflation on our pockets. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Summer Travel Tips:
   • We've got the best time and destinations to travel this summer to make your vacation getaways a breeze.
   • Learn how to travel smart through cost-effective strategies to create an enjoyable, yet affordable trip.
      
2. Inflation Data in Perspective:
   • Recent data demonstrates that inflation rates have cooled just slightly, although still not where the Fed wants to be. 
   • Can you believe this fast-food giant’s price increases over the last decade? Plus, their small attempt to bring back customers.
   • Understand 'shrinkflation' and how this country is taking a stand against such practices for the benefit of consumers.
      
3. Can You Really Get Paid to Move?: 
   • Learn what a "relocation package" is and why some U.S cities are willing to pay you for moving.
   • Discover what interesting incentives are involved in relocating to these smaller locations.

We are back this week with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. They are excited to share how to work through the challenge of making financial decisions and the benefits of simplicity when planning for retirement. Listen in now using a link below!

1. The Difficulty in Financial Decision-Making:
   • Discover that people who view themselves as emotional thinkers have a more difficult time processing and making financial decisions.
   • Learn how reframing and using more practical thinking can better your approach to making decisions with your finances.
      
2. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:
   • "It's not who you are that holds back, it's who you think you're not." - Denis Waitley
   • "Investing should be like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." - Paul Samuelson
      
3. The Benefits of Simplicity in Investing:
   • Understand how diversification, patience, and time are keys to a simpler approach to investing.
   • How the concept of Bucket Planning can help you view your investments in a simpler to understand way.
   • While there are more complexities behind the scenes with Bucket Planning, the idea that you know the purpose and goals for each bucket can help simplify your investment decisions.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. In this episode, the hosts share saving tactics useful for all ages and how inheritance does not have to be a difficult discussion. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Chicago Bears Update:
   • With the debut of the new Quarterback, there is renewed hope for this upcoming season.
   • The new Bears stadium causes uproar with mixed reviews and its use of taxpayer money.
     
     
2. Saving Strategies at Every Age:
   • In your 20s, develop a habit of saving in tax-free accounts and consider more aggressive investments.
   • In your 30s, navigate career growth and family planning through managing current expenses and financial goals.
   • In your 40s/50s, plan for the future while hitting your peak earning potential by hiring a financial planner.
   • In your 60s, ensure a peaceful retirement by being mindful of your spending.
     
     
3. Inheritance Conversations:
   • Learn how an open approach to discussing inheritance can lead to clarity and harmony among family members.

We are back this week with a pensive episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They take a deep dive in discovering the magic number for retirement and explore a new AI invention that will having you thinking! Listen in now using a link below!

1. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:
   • "I'm going to retire and live off my savings. What I'll do the second day, I have no idea." – Unknown 
   • "A good plan, executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week." – George Patton
2. What's the Real Magic Retirement Number?:
   • Discover that the magic retirement number is not what you may think.
   • People tend to overestimate the amount they need to retire, and we'll share why that is.
   • We'll discuss how you can calculate your own retirement number.
3. Humane AI Pin:
   • Learn about the Humane AI Pin, a new artificial intelligence (AI) product designed to potentially replace your smartphone.

Welcome back to a very "mindful" episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They are excited to explore the intriguing main topic of Money Mindfulness. Then, they offer insight into a controversial take on a question from a client. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Money Mindfulness: Cultivating Financial Peace:
   • Uncover practical techniques to harness the power of mindfulness in reaching your financial goals.
   • Learn to be present in your current financial situation to embrace self-awareness and mindful investing habits.
   • Take time to reflect and understand your feelings about your finances to achieve a prosperous wellbeing.
     
     
2. Listener Question:
   • "Hi Steve, what is your opinion on this 'Ask Terry' question I saw online? I used to be a fan of Terry Savage, but after seeing this response, I'm not so sure anymore." - Sharon

We are back this week with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They are excited to share some quick hits with you before diving into their main topic for the remainder of the episode: Retirement Wellness. Listen in now using a link below!

1. Monday's Moon Shadow:
   • Those in a 115 mile path stretching across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada will get a brief glimpse at a "hole in the sky" moment on Monday. 
   • Be sure to wear your Solar Eclipse protective eyewear, and we hope you enjoy the sight!
2. Retirement Wellness: Financial Checkup & Tips:
   • Where to start: Checking your vital signs (a.k.a. your cash flow).
   • Goals check-in: The progress made towards your goals.
   • A strong immune system: Maintaining healthy saving and spending habits.
   • Debt evaluation: Any extra debt dragging you down?
   • Portfolio screening: Investment alignment with your risk tolerance and goals.
   • Prescriptions: Your homework for maximizing your financial health for your next check-in.
   • The follow-up: Regularly re-visit your retirement plan, your investment goals, and your overall financial health.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents! Steve and Gabriel are back this week with some interesting topics, including the latest news from the Federal Reserve, the rising cost of car insurance, and the importance of staying active and engaged in retirement. 

1. What's Up? Car Insurance Costs!:
   • Over the past 12 months car insurance costs have gone up nearly 21%. So, what gives?
   • We'll share the three main reasons that are driving up prices.
   • Plus, things you can consider to help keep your car insurance costs down.
2. Working 9 to 5 'til 95?:
   • The story of a 101-year-old woman who continues to work, but it isn't for the money.
   • Why she says her long career has prolonged her life and happiness.
   • The importance of staying socially connected and engaged to maintain cognitive health and overall well-being in retirement.

On today's episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss two great topics. First is the best islands for retirement and then they pivot to common mistakes to avoid with IRAs. They share the significance of proper tax planning to maximize the benefits of IRAs and avoid potential costly mistakes.

1. Island Living in Retirement:
   • Retiring to an island may appeal to many retirees, and we're sharing the best scenic locales to consider.
   • Some international islands offer incentives to retirees.
   • Plus, a U.S. based island location that may surprise you!
2. Deep Dive: How to Avoid IRA Mistakes:
   • The importance of contributing to IRAs before the deadline.
   • Consider the benefits of both Roth and traditional IRAs based on individual circumstances.
   • Utilizing backdoor Roth IRA contributions.
   • Exercise caution against speculative investments in IRAs, putting the wrong types of investments in IRAs, and forgetting about required minimum distributions (RMDs) for traditional IRAs.

Spring is in the air, and March Madness is right around the corner! All the upcoming bracket excitement got us thinking about the similarities between picking teams and picking investments. Plus, we'll share some helpful reminders to protect yourself against financial scams.  

1. Money and Madness:
   • How trying to pick the winning team out of 68 is just like trying to pick winning stocks.
   • How personal bias and emotions can influence your picks.
   • If you could change your picks along the way, would you? And should you?
   • Having a game plan and sticking to it may yield the best results after all.
2. Safeguard Your Finances Against Scams:
   • Tips to avoid falling victim to phishing, vishing, smishing and more scams. 
   • An important lesson from one lady who lost it all.
   • Staying hyper-vigilant in the face of advancing technology and AI scams.

The focus of today's episode of Our 2 Cents is using fear as an opportunity. Steve and Gabriel start out the show by giving a brief recap of our recent 2024 Market and Economic Update client event. Then, they dig into the idea that you can make fear a valuable tool in investing. 

1. Market & Economic Update Recap:
   • Notable market events from 2023 that are shaping the landscape in early 2024.
   • The 'Magnificent 7' driving most of the market growth.
   • Some thoughts on what lies ahead for us for the remainder of this year.
2. Harnessing Fear to Build Wealth:
   • The importance of facing fears head-on and finding ways to alleviate them. 
   • How stress-testing your portfolio or exploring alternative options can help create investment opportunities.
   • Common investor fears and how they can impact your decision making. 

On this episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss the latest inflation data and its impact on consumers. They also share some fun Valentine's Day facts and then wrap up the show with a couple 'Getting to Know Us' questions. 

1. Valentine's Day Fun Facts:
   • Did you know chocolate used to be prescribed by doctors? We didn't either!
   • We'll warm your heart with these fun Valentine's Day facts!
2. The Impact of the Latest Inflation Data:
   • The CPI rose by 3.1% in January. We'll explain what that means, and break down some of the core categories.
   • $3 for a McDonald's hashbrown? Customers have had enough of these rising prices.
   • Inflation isn't the only problem, it's 'shrinkflation,' too.
   • Ways to protect your quality of life in the face of rising costs.
3. Getting to Know Steve and Gabriel:
   • What's your favorite snack at the movies?
   • What fictional character would you like to hang out with?

In this episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss two interesting topics on opposite ends of the spectrum: Bitcoin and "Lazy Money." They talk about the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs and the potential for mainstream investors to enter the Bitcoin market. Plus, they share ideas for that cash sitting idle in a savings account. 

1. Breaking Down Bitcoin ETFs:
   • The basics: What is Bitcoin and the blockchain?
   • The future of Bitcoin - is it a digital currency or an asset?
   • The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs
   • Should you consider buying Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF?
2. Put Your "Lazy Money" to Work:
   • What we mean when we say lazy money, and what makes it "lazy?"
   • Why do people sometimes have too much money on the sidelines?
   • What are some ideas to put that lazy money to work?

On this episode of Our 2 Cents, Steve and Gabriel discuss various financial topics, including new work benefits that employers may offer, how Social Security is taxed, and if it's possible to pay zero taxes on your benefits. They also address a couple great listener questions at the end.

1. New Workplace Benefits to Help Increase Savings in 2024:
   • Making student loan payments could help boost your 401(k).
   • Accessing 401(k) money for emergencies.
   • A 401(k) match for building emergency savings.
   • Lowering the bar for 401(k) participation.
2. Strategies to Pay Zero Taxes on Social Security:
   • Just how is Social Security taxed to begin with?
   • How contributions to certain IRA or HSA accounts can help.
   • Implementing additional tax planning strategies can also help lower your taxable income.
3. Listener Questions:
   • "Gabe, Steve, I recently retired a few weeks ago and I'm feeling very uncomfortable living on income from my investments. I'm considering going back to work. Is that a normal reaction?" - Joyce
   • "The majority of my 401(k) is invested in company stock. I know that I am not diversified but I am very confident in my company's future. I am wondering if that is okay?" - Danielle

On today's podcast episode, Steve and Gabriel are talking about their New Year's resolutions and the importance of aligning money with one's values and goals. They then shift gears to discuss the risks of investing in individual companies, highlighting several big companies that went bankrupt in 2023. Click a link below to listen in now!

1. Your Money Resolutions for 2024:
   • Figure out what financial wellbeing means to you.
   • Determine what the purpose of your money is.
   • Spend in ways that are true to who you are, not what others expect of you.
   • Buy yourself time.
   • Focus on what drives your values and your happiness.
2. Well-Known Bankrupt Companies from 2023:
   • Although filing for bankruptcy doesn't necessarily mean these business went bust, it does highlight the potential risks in investing in individual companies.
   • We'll share seven household-name US retailers and businesses who faced a laundry list of problems in 2023.

Welcome to Our 2 Cents in 2024! We are ushering the new year with a great new episode. Today, Gabriel and Steve discuss interest rate predictions from some of the major banks on Wall Street. Then they share a couple big changes for retirement coming in 2024. Don't miss Gabriel's quote of the month to wrap up the show!

1. 2024 Interest Rate Predictions:
   • The Fed's expected end-of-2024 interest rates.
   • Bank of America's prediction on the likelihood of a Fed rate cut by March.
   • Goldman Sachs' forecast on rate cuts.
   • JPMorgan's revised interest rate outlook.
   • UBS' expectation on a recession in 2024 and massive rate cuts.
2. Big Retirement Changes for the New Year:
   • Social Security's COLA for 2024.
   • Increased Medicare expenses for the new year.
   • New rules for 529 plans that could add an interesting layer to your retirement planning.
3. Gabriel's Quote of the Month:
   • "Don't let money run your life, let money help you run your life better." — John Rampton

Join us today as we remember the late Charlie Munger, a great investor, philanthropist, and businessman. Then, we're getting in the holiday spirit on this episode of Our 2 Cents with some "merry retirement facts." Finally, Steve and Gabriel share some thoughts on stock market trends and projections.

1. Remembering Charlie Munger:
   • If you read any business news, you probably heard of the passing of Charlie Munger.
   • In honor of him, we're sharing some of his quotes that are our favorites.
2. Merry Retirement Facts:
   • We often share some of the scary stats about retirement, but today we're taking a cheerier look. 
   • The steady growth of IRA balances, increased savings among Americans, and the embrace of retirement savings by younger generations.
3. How Elections Affect the Stock Market:
   • While there may be some trends, it is difficult to predict market performance based on political outcomes.
   • How much do elections actually affect the stock market? 
   • Plus, a quick recap of what the markets did over the last few election periods.
4. Quick Market Perspectives:
   • Vanguard's financial market projections for the next 10 years.
   • Highlighting the expected growth rates for different asset classes.
   • The importance of diversification and the potential for international investments to outperform US equities.

In this episode of "Our 2 Cents," Steve and Gabriel discuss the concept of delayed gratification and its impact on building wealth. But first, they're sharing quotes of the month, their thoughts on the current national debt, and some tax-friendly states for retirees.

1. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:
   • "Wealth is largely the result of habit." — John Jacob Astor
   • "The goal isn't more money, the goal is living life on your terms." — Chris Brogan
2. America's National Debt - Is it Really a Problem?:
   • How government deficits don't exactly work like household debt.
   • The notion of "servicing" debt as opposed to paying it off in full.
3. States That Don't Tax Your Nest Egg:
   • Where you live and retire can have a pretty big impact on your retirement income.
   • The states that don't tax any income, the ones that don't tax retirement income specifically, those who don't tax Social Security, and the states with no tax on pensions.
4. The Benefits of Delaying Gratification:
   • Not pausing your retirement savings to pay for more things today.
   • Not saving in only tax-deferred accounts.
   • Waiting for interest rates to go down before making big purchases.

Long-term care insurance can be complex, and some people may not fully understand what is covered and what is not. Policies vary widely, and individuals may be unsure if the coverage is worth the cost. On today's podcast, Steve and Gabriel are sharing some must-know stats about long-term care to help you make more informed decisions.

1. Must-Know Long-Term Care Statistics:
   • Usage of Long-Term Care: The percentage of people who will need long-term care in their lifetime, including paid services, nursing care facilities, and more.
   • The Role of Dementia: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, specifically for those in nursing homes.
   • The Cost of Care: Estimated lifetime costs of care for various care needs.
   • Long-Term Care Insurance: Polices are changing these days, how in-demand are they, and are they worth it?
2. Getting to Know Steve and Gabriel:
   • What's a small thing that makes your day better?
   • What was your favorite age growing up?