Does the idea of Estate Planning intimidate you?

If so, you are not alone.  That is why I invited Phillip Vacchio, Senior Attorney with Herzog Law Firm for a discussion.  Phillip focuses his practice on elder law care.

Tune in to this episode to learn:

-Who needs Estate Planning
-When to think about creating an Estate Plan
-The primary Estate Planning Documents most adults should have
-The importance of being proactive

And more!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

This video is for anyone who has recently turned 65 or will be turning 65 in the next few years.

I discuss the basics of Medicare with Colin Miller - Founding Partner of Medicare Plan Partners.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Medicare overview
-When do individuals need to enroll in Medicare
-Who needs to enroll and who can delay
-Different parts of Medicare including Part A, Part B, Part B, and Supplemental Plans
-Medicare Advantage Plans
-Medicare Part B Premiums
-Changes coming to Medicare

And more!

So if you are anticipating needing Medicare in the future, I encourage you to tune it!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Are you enrolled in Medicare or planning to enroll?

If so, then this episode is for you.  There are many complexities when it comes to Medicare and I find many are confused about the different parts.

In this episode, I discuss Medicare Part B.  In the episode, I cover:

-What Medicare Part B covers
-The cost of premiums
-How those premiums may increase
-Strategies to potentially reduce your premiums

And more!

So if you are enrolled in Medicare or planning to enroll, I encourage you to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

A New Year brings new changes to Social Security.

In this episode, JT Cox discusses the changes coming to Social Security in 2024 including:

- Cost of Living Adjustments
-Social Security Wage Base
-Medicare Part B Premium Updates
-Part B Income Thresholds

And More

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

As we close out 2023, stock market indexes are up and at all-time highs, bonds have strong returns and cash invested properly can earn interest.

So 2023 must have felt like a great year for investors right?  Unless you lived under a rock, you know that was far from the case.  Investors were consistently inundated with negative news and why things were about to crash.  

This is what makes investing so hard.  Sticking through the difficult times and staying invested will reward people in the long run.  But it is hard to do.

David Rath and I look back at 2023, some of the headlines we were faced with, and some action items we can take away.

So join us for a look back at 2023 and what we have learned that can help us moving forward.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

With the holidays in full swing, gifting is top of mind for many individuals.  We thought it would be a good time to discuss gift limits, when the IRS needs to be informed of gifts, and some gift-giving strategies.

So if you are thinking of making major gifts this year, I encourage you to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

As we approach the end of the year it's that time again.  Time to make, and then quickly break, our New Year's Resolutions.

In this episode JT discusses tips to make SMART New Year's Resolutions you will actually stick with.

So if you really want to make a change, be sure to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

For many, the holidays are a time for giving.  

As the holidays approach we have put together an episode specifically to discuss tax-smart charitable gifting strategies to consider.

So if you are feeling charitably inclined this holiday season, and are interested in potentially reducing your tax bill, then be sure to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Are you interested in reducing your tax bill this year?  

If so, then tune in to this week's episode of On the Continuum where JT Cox and David Rath discuss tax loss harvesting, and how you can use that strategy to reduce your tax bill.

We will discuss the steps you can take now before the end of the year to save money in taxes.

So if saving money on taxes is important, then I encourage you to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Ever wonder how your Cash Balance Pension Plan grows?

If so, then tune in to this week's episode of On The Continuum where JT Cox explains how a Cash Balance Pension Plan grows.  

We use the National Grid pension plan as an example but this information will apply to most plans.

So if you have access to a Cash Balance Pension Plan then I encourage you to tune it!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Ever wondered how you can create your own income plan in retirement?

If so, then tune in to this week's episode where JT Cox discusses 5 steps to take to create your own income plan in retirement.

So if you are getting close to retirement, be sure to listen!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Did you know there is an investment vehicle with triple tax advantages?

Tune in to hear how a Health Savings Account offers:

-Tax-deductible contributions
-Tax-free growth
-Tax-free distributions

Listen to decide if a Health Savings Account should be a part of your financial plan.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Do you have questions about Medicare Enrollment?

If so, tune in to this week's episode of On the Continuum where JT Cox will answer 5 questions about Medicare enrollment including:

-Will you be automatically enrolled?
-When can you enroll?
-Do you have to enroll?
-Is there a penalty if you do not enroll?
-What is the penalty?

And more!  So if you are curious about Medicare enrollment, be sure to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

Ever wonder how your Social Security benefit will be taxed?  

If so, tune in to this week's On the Continuum where JT Cox discusses how social security benefits are taxed.  He will discuss how your filing status and income level will determine your tax rate.

So if you are curious about Social Security and potential tax implications be sure to tune in!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode, JT Cox discusses how high-income earners can use a Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion strategy to significantly boost their retirement savings.

High-income earners have a unique opportunity to save for retirement beyond normal contribution limits.  JT discusses the strategy, how it works, what you should consider when deciding if this strategy is for you, and steps to take to maximize your savings.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode, David Rath and JT Cox discuss the latest threats of a government shutdown and whether it will derail your investments.  They also clear up some misconceptions about inflation and address a mistake many retirees are making regarding Social Security.

Tune in to hear more!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode, JT Cox and David Rath discuss the fact that over one-third of American employees are not confident about retirement.

The most recent survey from The Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI) shows confidence levels at their lowest point in years.

David and JT discuss why that is, and steps people can take to feel more confident in their own retirement.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode, David Rath and JT Cox discuss the latest news on China entering a deflationary period, a ruling paving the way for a Bitcoin ETF, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the economy and the future.

Tune in to find out whether you should take action!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

JT and David discuss how the rise in interest rates has started to reward savers.  While the episode was recorded earlier this year it is still relevant.  Tune in to hear them discuss:

-How JT was introduced to money and savings and why it wasn't the same experience for his son.
-The impact of low or near zero interest rates for years.
-How savers are starting to be rewarded again.
-What savers can do to earn interest on their money.

And More.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode, David Rath and JT Cox discuss the recent news on Michael Burry, UPS Drivers, and Longevity.  We offer a verdict on whether someone should act based on the headlines.

Tune in to find out whether you should take action!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

JT and David discuss the top 5 issues for recent retirees to consider.

They include:

1) Shift in mindset: Taking distributions from a portfolio is very different from making contributions.

2) Income to match your desired lifestyle: Ensure anticipated income will match the spending necessary to match the desired lifestyle.

3) Investment Allocation: Investing in retirement is different from investing for retirement.

4) Plan for a medical event: No one likes to think about it but there should be a plan in place for a major medical event.

5) Transfer of Assets: How do you want your assets transferred and when?

The golden years are the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Take time to address the 5 planning issues discussed.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

What is the most intense sporting event David has experienced? 
What made David decide to pursue a career in finance?
And why does he have a black eye?

Find out that and much more in this interview with David Rath, where we get to know David outside of the office.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

A pre-tax retirement account that is not taxable in New York State?  

Tune in to learn about the savings vehicle available to federal employees - Thrift Savings Plan.  In this episode David and I discuss:

-Who the account is for
-The tax benefits in New York State
-What happens if you roll funds into an IRA

And More!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode David Rath and JT Cox discuss different pension options available to individuals with a pension, specifically the strategy of pension max:

-What is it?
-How does it work?
-Considerations when thinking about whether it makes sense for you.
-Pros and cons of the strategy

And more!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com

In this episode David Rath and JT Cox discuss Social Security.   Learn about

-The first person to claim Social Security
-Limits for how much you can earn while collecting Social Security
-Strategies couples may consider

And more!

If you would like to learn more please contact us at www.contwealth.com