This week continued jobless claims see a slight uptick, but initial jobless claims decreased sharply by 9,000 in a firming of the job market. When will we finally see a wages rise? In other news futures were affected by a tweet from President Trump. Other topics include:

• Cryptocurrency tax headaches
• Checking your credit report and identity theft
• 5 days left till tax day –now what?
• Taxes and real estate
• Self employed tax tips
• Horrible online retirement calculators

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Some trade deals, such as NAFTA, are over 23 years old.   Current deals with China were created when China was considered an emerging market. The Chinese economy is much larger today and deals must be reviewed. Renegotiating trade agreements is one cause for the current market volatility. Other topics include:

• Postal service problems around the world
• FDIC insurance
• How to get more interest on your cash
• Why all-in/all-out sector strategy can damage your portfolio for the long run
• HELOC tax deductions
• Updating IRA beneficiaries

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

When was the last time you heard about LIBOR rates? This loan which was common at the top of the real estate debacle seems to be working its way back into the news, this time in the form of corporate debt. As interest rates go up there’s a good chance you’ll hear about lower quality borrowers feeling the squeeze. Other topics include:

• Timing the market and the 60/40 portfolio delusion
• The dangers of investing based on absolute statements
• Inheriting large sums of money
• Do you get dividends on RSU’s?
• Why prepay medical expenses
• Home owners insurance

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Mashup edition!

Facebook’s data scandal is causing people to rethink their privacy and pay attention to their online footprint. Seeing social media advertisements based on things you have only spoken about is strange enough, but equally disturbing is any media selling based on absolute statements. Articles that catch your attention using fear or greed rarely turn out well for you and it’s always important to know where you’re getting your information from and if it is biased. Other topics include:

• Annuities and life insurance-the good, the bad, and the ugly
• Health insurance pools
• Inheriting large sums of money
• Do you get dividends on RSU’s?
• Why prepay medical expenses
• Home owners insurance

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Today is Fed rate decision day and an increase is almost guaranteed. Today most people equate interest rates with mortgages directly when in reality mortgages are more affected by supply and demand issues. In fact interest rates have a greater affect on things such as credit cards, CD’s, auto loans and HELOC’s. Other topics include:

• Social security calculations –Did this self-employed couple accidentally screw up their social security to avoid FICA taxes
• How the tax cut affects 529 plans
• Money mistakes made by parents of special needs kids
• Chasing returns

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Crazy things can happen to your retirement plan. One moment you’re flying high when it comes to stocks and the next you’re over the handlebars in terms of risk. A minimum of 6 different tests are used to check if your retirement plan will stand up to whatever may come your way. Other topics include:

• Prop 60 –maintaining your property taxes after downsizing
• Tough times for young families in the Bay Area
• Why you should have an estate plan even if you are not concerned about taxes
• Visa CFO’s cryptocurrency criticism
• What are your chances of spending time at a nursing home?

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Juniper Hotel Cupertino on May 3rd. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The news brings in more chaos from the White House as Trump fires Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replaces him with Mike Pompeo. Under Tillerson 60% of top ranking diplomats have resigned and Foreign Service applications have fallen by half; all this after the US blocks the Broadcom Qualcomm buyout over China. Today I discuss foreign security issues and foreign companies buying tech in the US. Other topics include:

• Q4 earnings exceed expectations – so why did the market punish some positive earnings per share surprises
• Tax plan options if you are a business owner, self employed or own a lot of real estate with debt
• What are REIT’s and how do they work?
• Digital estate plans

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

When you look at what Trump tweets out and compare it to what actually gets done, you have to wonder if the tax cuts and trade war are all part of a genius plan or a path of disaster. Things have changed drastically since NAFTA was implemented and its past time we improve these deals. Today I talk tariff wars and their impact on our economy. Other topics include:

• What the typical market correction looks like and how to prepare
• Calculating and allocating safe money
• Managing your portfolio in retirement. Which accounts do I draw from? When do I sell?
• Bitcoin IRA’s

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City tomorrow, March 8th, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. There's still time to sign up, click HERE!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Today’s headlines have some interesting news to say the least. White House Economic Advisor Gary Cohn is devising a way to halt tariffs Trump announced last week. Also, North Korea announces they are open to discussing denuclearization with South Korea and the US. Today I discuss Trump breaking from his party in the tariff trade war and discuss the question that came to everyone’s mind -“What is North Korea planning?” Other topics include:

• Fidelity Freedom 2020’s risky target-date funds
• Getting started in saving for retirement
• Why and how younger people would use retirement date funds successfully

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City this Thursday, March 8th, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

As Wells Fargo continues the messy business of changing company culture, a Portland whistleblower reports a failure to investigate fraud and was subsequently fired. Wells Fargo seems to be so plagued by problems lately that a client called me asking if they should pull their money out. Today I discuss the problematic news surrounding the banking giant and what clients should concern themselves with. Other topics include:

• Trump’s trade wars & cryptocurrency trading volume dropping by half
• Longevity issues
• Withstanding market fluctuations in retirement
• Millennial retirement planning
• Old 401k plans with after-tax contributions, Backdoor Roth IRA and Mega Backdoor Roth IRA

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City next Thursday, March 8th, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

In retirement a lot of people believe they have to invest only for income so they shift to all high income stocks and high yielding bonds, a major mistake in a rising rates environment. Today I explain why dollar-cost averaging is not a good strategy to come out of a portfolio in retirement. Other topics include:

• Should Sheila (self employed) open a Vanguard 401k to reduce taxes or commit to a defined benefit plan?
• What bonds to buy?
• Bay Area’s real estate mass exodus
• Social Security underpaying widows and widowers
• File and suspend strategy

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City next Thursday, March 8th, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

If you watch the market the way Rob does, you know that the first Friday of every month is super important for setting up the jobs market. Today Rob and I discuss the basic ideas of financial planning and the many different ways to play the game. Other topics include:

• Intel estimates
• Comcast challenging Fox to buy Sky
• Bitcoin creator sued for stealing $5billion in cryptocurrency
• Apple’s new medical clinics
• Biggest thing that will move the stock market this year
• Home prices & the retail apocalypse

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City on March 8th at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

At the beginning of every year we seem to hear the same stories. Either inflation or deflation becomes the major concern for the economy. This year inflation seems to be the focus. Today I discuss the dollar finally rising with treasury yields and what would happen if interest rates  on bonds go up too quickly. Other topics include:

• A potential acquisition, cryptocurrency and other stock market news
• The fiduciary rule –how to get financial advice without getting sold a product
• The difference between mutual funds and ETF’s
• ABLE accounts and 529 plans

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City on March 8th at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Bay Area home prices are so elevated that investors are receiving low yield even if they buy a property all-cash. Today I discuss Bay Area real estate issues including high prices, rising rates, tax law changes and the basic worker not being able to live in the Bay Area. Other topics include:

• How the real estate tax works if you own a positive cash flow property
• Identity theft and internet scams
• Wall Street fraud
• Advice from financial advisors that are not fiduciaries

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City at 6:30 p.m. and registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

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Was 2017 the year the year we coined the term “getting Amazoned”? Today Rob discusses physical stores like Target, Walmart and Costco who are feeling the heat from Amazon and slashing prices. Other topics include:

• AMD’s epic server chip
• Finding the metrics that work for you
• Is the market too bullish?
• Home buying regret
• Self-employment issues
• Estate planning

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City at 6:30 p.m. and registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Earning season is off to a great start with earnings growth up around 12% from this time last year, but some people are still calling for expansion of the PE ratio due to synchronized global growth and low interest rates. This big rally also means your portfolio might be a tad out of whack. Other topics include:

• Risky cryptocurrency
• Backdoor Roth IRA’s & Roth IRA’s for kids
• Brian needs a down payment strategy for his first home
• 15 things to do before hiring a financial planner
• 20% deduction that might keep business owners in California

Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar. This event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City at 6:30 p.m. and registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

While everyone was out enjoying their MLK holiday the financial industry was buzzing over new reports. Would you be able to survive retirement with a 60/40 US stock-bond portfolio? Today I discuss the calls for historically low average returns and the flattening of the yield curve. Other topics include:

• Roth 401k funding & Roth conversions as you retire
• Did the new tax law change capital gains exclusion on homes?
• How 1031 exchanges work
• Why financial professionals are uniting against the corporate tax cut
• Estate planning issues

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Updated reports are once again calling for low returns on traditional balanced portfolios. I explain how some "forecasters" expect low end numbers for a traditional 60/40 portfolio; a portfolio that should have given you double digit returns last year. Today I explain what these numbers mean and stress the importance of retirement readiness tests. Other topics include:

• How investing outside retirement plans can help you build wealth
• Issues with cryptocurrency pump and dump problems
• Kodak move into blockchain
• Reviewing your asset mix

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your chances of enjoying a secure future. Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge Tomorrow, January 11th. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Domestic and international corporate earnings are up again with the best increase we’ve seen since 2011. Why? The US Dollar sank 10% since Trump took office, which is good for companies making profits overseas and want to bring their business back home. Today I discuss this and other geopolitical issues that affect the market. Other topics include:

• Major risks in retirement
• Can a POD avoid probate costs?
• The upcoming tax plan
• Tough times for Bitcoin
• Early Retirement

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your chances of enjoying a secure future. Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge on January 11th. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Mashup Encore Edition

Jeff "Bond King” Gundlach is in the news talking stocks in the US and overseas. Where is the best value? We have synchronized global expansion and many countries can claim they have better economies and equity markets than the USA. Other topics include:

• Charitable giving
• Talking with elderly parents about their financial future
• Social security strategies

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your chances of enjoying a secure future. Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge on January 11th. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

I kick off todays show with a story about a failing biotech company called Bioptix which last October announced a name change and made a strategic investment in Coin square. The company, now called Riot Blockchain, has seen a sharp rise since Thankgiving based on a name change and strategic investment. This reminds me of companies that soared in the 90's by simply adding .com to their name. Other topics include

• Cryptocurrency issues
• Other uses for Blockchain technology
• Breaking down the new version of the tax bill

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your chances of enjoying a secure future. Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge on January 11th. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

I kick off todays show with a story about a failing biotech company called Bioptix which last October announced a name change and made a strategic investment in Coin square. The company, now called Riot Blockchain, has seen a sharp rise since Thankgiving based on a name change and strategic investment. This reminds me of companies that soared in the 90's by simply adding .com to their name. Other topics include

• Cryptocurrency issues
• Other uses for Blockchain technology
• Breaking down the new version of the tax bill

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your chances of enjoying a secure future. Please join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge on January 11th. Registration is $25. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The more things change the less they change is an argument Rob gets into when discussing rent vs. owning. We seem to be stuck in a never-ending civil war between Northern stock investors and Southern real estate investors who need each other to survive. Today Rob discusses the worrisome trend where people buy homes with intent to rent with no regard for their income with Tony Mendes. Other topics include:

• The lack of market corrections
• Setting yourself up for financial success in your 30’s & 40’s by avoiding common money mistakes
• Record stock market highs with Patrick O’Hare
• Digital disruption and tech trends to note

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

24 years ago an estate worth over $650,000 was considered to be a wealthy person’s estate and a success tax was added to the estate tax. That number has since changed to $5.5 million per person and leaves many wondering how their estate will be affected by the tax proposal. Today I discuss questions you should ask your CPA regarding the new tax plan. Other topics include:

• Money lessons for your children once the Christmas money rolls in
• My son’s hard learned individual stock lesson
• Cryptocurrency
• What to put into your IRA
• What to spend your IRA on

Join Chad Burton, CFP^®, and Rob Black for a discussion on the issues that can affect your retirement plan. Click HERE to register for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning webinar tomorrow, December 13th. Registration is free!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

A new tax plan seems to be coming together with one bill being passed in the House and another being passed in the Senate. However, there are many differences between the two and more has to be done for both sides to reconcile. Today I point out changes congress wants to pass and changes I wish were being addressed. Other topics include:

• My love of financial media scare tactics and Harry Dent Jr.
• Preparing your portfolio for market corrections
• Rescuing bad annuities

Join Chad Burton, CFP^®, and Rob Black for a discussion on the issues that can affect your retirement plan. Click HERE to register for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning webinar on December 13th. Registration is free!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Jeff "Bond King” Gundlach is in the news talking stocks in the US and overseas. Where is the best value? We have synchronized global expansion and many countries can claim they have better economies and equity markets than the USA. Other topics include:

• Are you in the sweet spot for Roth conversions?
• How and when to rebalance your portfolio

Join Chad Burton, CFP^®, and Rob Black for a discussion on the issues that can affect your retirement plan. Click HERE to register for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning webinar on December 13th. Registration is free!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

No more “Yellen” at the Feds. Today Janet Yellen announced her resignation after failing to be renominated to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Additional stories making headlines include Angela Merkel’s inability to create a coalition government, the FCC’s attempt to scrap net neutrality regulations and Uber covering up a massive data breach. Today I discuss protecting your identity online. Other topics include:

• Building a financial base before buying real estate
• Putting together and assessing your retirement plan
• Talking estate planning with the family this Thanksgiving

Join Chad Burton, CFP^®, and Rob Black for a discussion on the issues that can affect your retirement plan. Click HERE to register for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning webinar on December 13th. Registration is free!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

We are only two days away from Thanksgiving and the stock market is already starting to reflect the holiday season. In the last several days retail sales have beaten projections, consumer prices have increased and even industrial production surged. Today I discuss saving a friend from a massive retirement mistake. Other topics include:

• What should you do now regarding the new tax bill?
• What every woman should know about long-term care
• Bad decisions made during large market corrections
• Social security’s cost of living increase and Medicare Part B premiums increase

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Bitcoin plunges 29% from recent high's even though we have seen meteoric rise in the last year. Listen in and I'll tell you what I think. Other topics include:

• UberAir flying taxis
• I explain how bad retirement products may be ruining your chance at a successful retirement
• 7 disturbing findings about 401k’s
• The very few situations where annuities make sense
• Topics from this Thursday’s retirement incomes strategy event
• Self employed retirement-savings strategies

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar next Thursday, November 16th, at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The CME may have just opened floodgates for institutional money to pour into Bitcoin, paving the way for an ETF as well. For a new product to be approved in Wall Street it usually has to be able to be hedged with futures. Could this be the next step for government involvement in Bitcoin currency? Other topics include:

• New Jersey Bureau of Security fining LPL Financial over nontraded REITs
• Year-end tax planning
• Home owners insurance –Being underinsured
• 2018 increase in estate and gift tax exemption
• Getting out of AMT taxes in California
• Is it time to get into commodities?
• Socially responsible bond ETF’s

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The average interest rate on the 30 year loan caused a 4.1% decline in mortgage. Thinking about interest rates I start today’s show by talking about exercising non-qualified stock options and paying taxes on them in retirement. I also discuss taking advantage of low interest and bond rates by paying off your mortgage going into retirement and why this wasn’t necessarily the best idea in the past. Other topics include:

• Open enrollment for Medicare
• Year-end and year-beginning tax planning
• Elder abuse and what you can do about it
• Equalizing gifts- gifting while you are alive and equalizing after you pass

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Another milestone for the stock market, the Dow hits 23,000! Today I reflect on major milestones that have happened in the market during my lifetime, what I have learned from them and the changes I have seen in investor behaviors. Other topics include

• Dollar-cost averaging
• What to do with your old 401k
• Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) stock
• Social security benefits increasing 2% in 2018
• Other social security changes and strategies
• Getting ready for an estate plan

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Is Netflix a tech stock, a media stock or a combination of both? Netflix just blew past subscriber growth expectations, hitting all time highs, when just 1 week ago investors were wary after Disney’s decision to pull their content. Which is more important content or the delivery of content? Today Rob takes on the topic of companies like Netflix with swagger. Other topics include:

• A bond market bubble?
• North Korea threatening nuclear war
• The future for Ford and General Motors
• The Feds raising interest rates – is it time to start buying bank stocks?
• Will Trump’s legacy be deregulation?
• The Santa Rosa fires
• The Equifax breakdown

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

It’s already mid-October which means if you filed an extension Monday the 16th is the final day to file your tax return. Now is the time to get serious about planning for 2017 if you are self employed. Your options may be limited for this year, but good there are still good retirement plans you can begin funding. Another thing that happens in October is open enrollment for Medicare; retirees should rethink their coverage. I also take a moment to cover major preparedness issues stemming from the Santa Rosa fires such as reviewing your home owners insurance and having a password manager. Other topics include

• ESG, faith based and socially responsible investing
• Where are we? – A Q3 recap
• Credit crises and emotional investing mistakes
• 6 tests that determine your retirement readiness
• E-service users facing new tax phishing scams

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

When disaster strikes none of us are as prepared as we would like to be. One of the things we can do before something happens is access your insurance coverage and make updates where you need them. Save yourself the headache by reviewing your policies now before disaster hits and you are left with the rebuild costs. Other topics include:

• What things your home owners insurance might not cover well
• Go bags – basic supplies in a handy disaster kit
• Estate planning and professional guardians
• The Fi Community
• What you need in retirement

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

You’ve probably heard through every available media source something about President Trump’s tax plan. Today I discuss a Bloomberg article that lists companies already paying below the median effective tax rate and examine how it relates to our push for a simplified tax code. How bad has the identity theft crisis gotten? Officials in the Nebraska Department of Insurance state identity theft is beginning to affect annuities, an interesting turn for “safe” brokerage accounts. Other topics include:

• My top identity theft protection services
• Bitcoin offering scams
• Goldman Sachs price war on smart-beta ETF’s
• Can you use capital gain exclusions on a primary residence before utilizing charitable remainder trusts?
• How will retirement change if Trump’s tax plan passes?
• Explaining the Roth 5 year rule

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, but focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future.Please join us for our Retirement Income Strategies and Estate Planning Seminar On November 16th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The last several trading days have shown this transition from moment to value stocks. However, the last 8 months have shown a big divergence between US large cap growth stocks and US small cap value stocks. Today I explain how this shift tends to affect future markets and if it a good time to consider rebalancing your portfolio. I also discuss the expected framework for Trump’s tax reform plan that will be announced this afternoon and what its biggest issue could be. Other topics include:

• Is Bitcoin in the biggest bubble of our lifetime?
• Best ways to give in retirement
• A Lennar mortgage for millennials that pays off student debt
• Quantifying and setting financial goals
• What are momentum and value stocks?
• What is putting pressure on people’s retirement?

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visitwww.NewFocusFinancial.com.

There are several major risks that can harm your retirement and the biggest one right now is the one that has been helping your stocks and real estate. Today I explain how the relationship between bonds and interest rates has resulted in lower than normal income for retirees. Will your portfolio be able to keep up with inflation even when low interest rates are being offset by shockingly low capital gains taxes? Other topics include:

• Having a detailed withdrawal strategy so you won’t be subject to the order of returns in retirement
• Timing the market in retirement
• Dealing with market all time highs
• Are target retirement date funds a good idea for you?

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visitwww.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The Feds are having their quarterly meeting today and while we shouldn’t expect a rate hike right now - what we can expect is a better idea of their plan going forward with the reversal of quantitative easing. Today I explain the data you need to look at that impacts our future interest rates. I also respond to a caller who asks my opinion on Bitcoin and its future. Other topics include:

• Hurricanes and news based trade bumps
• Why life insurance policies make for a horrible savings vehicle
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Can stocks increase earning during a correction?
• How to do a tax-free Roth conversion
• Rolling over a 401k

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Everybody has heard about the Equifax security breach by now and identity theft protection companies are gaining customers at an increasing rate. Today I discuss the severity of Equifax’s data breach and more importantly, what to do if your information has been compromised. Other topics include:

• Identity theft protection and resolution services
• Can you collect social security living outside the US and when should you take it?
• Taxable accounts and living in restricted countries
• Why social security is going to have to change drastically
• The arguments around Bitcoin
• Saving for college when you have less than 5 years

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Between the forest fires in the North West and the hurricanes down south, we are basically surrounded by national disasters. Be wary of scammers if you are looking for a cause to donate to and if you have decided to donate a large amount of money, consider gifting stock and avoid a tax problem while you’re at it. Another thing you should consider doing while all these disasters hit is review what your personal insurance covers. Today I discuss common topics that come up whenever national disasters strike. Other topics include:

• Things should you consider before retirement other than your portfolio
• Rebalancing during your working years vs. retirement
• Divorce agreements and life insurance policies
• Market correction traps

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Between the forest fires in the North West and the hurricanes down south, we are basically surrounded by national disasters. Be wary of scammers if you are looking for a cause to donate to and if you have decided to donate a large amount of money, consider gifting stock and avoid a tax problem while you’re at it. Another thing you should consider doing while all these disasters hit is review what your personal insurance covers. Today I discuss common topics that come up whenever national disasters strike. Other topics include:

• Things should you consider before retirement other than your portfolio
• Rebalancing during your working years vs. retirement
• Divorce agreements and life insurance policies
• Market correction traps

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton this Saturday, September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

As we wait for the stock market to open US futures are lower, mostly due to North Korea’s 6th nuclear test, Trump tackling the Dreamers program and Florida bracing itself against Hurricane Irma. Today I discuss global events happening this week and the expectations they hold. Is the Euro poised for its fastest expansion in a decade? Other topics include:

• Is a correction right around the corner?
• Increasing healthcare costs for retirees
• Retirement costs people don’t project in
• Which assets to draw from first in retirement
• Alternative ways to fund long term care insurance
• 1035 exchange for old universal life insurance policies

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton this Saturday, September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Today’s revised GDP report rose 3% more than expected. This resulted in market futures turning a bit negative now that a December rate hike is more likely to happen. Believe it or not war and other horrible things can be good for the stock market. Hurricane Harvey is causing a lot of destruction and even though many jobs will be lost, more jobs will be recreated once rebuilding occurs. Other topics include:

• Did the “Trump Bump” actually become a “Trump Slump”?
• Annuities, structured notes, longevity insurance, reverse mortgages and other retirement products to avoid, that may hold some value
• What an annual review should look like in retirement
• Updating your estate plan
• Assessing your insurance
• Does variable universal life insurance work for college savings?

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

A lot went on in the news last week, but it’s clear that Hurricane Harvey is going to need help from everybody. Airbnb waves host service fees to as part of a free housing program to help those being evacuated and the American Red Cross allows you to donate $10 buy texting HARVEY to 90999. Whichever way you choose to get involved be sure to protect yourself from scammers by checking out sites such as Charity Navigator or consider giving stock for significant dollar amounts. Other topics include:

• Reverse mortgages –one strategy to delay social security after a forced early retirement
• Breaking down the 3 main components of portfolio construction
• Explaining the basic types of annuities and answering 3 different annuity questions
• Employer stock options
• Rolling corrections and single stock risk issues

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

When you were younger the thought of $1million was enough to make you feel rich. Going into retirement today that’s not so much the case. Today I look at the trending GoBankingRates article on How Long $1 Million Will Last In Retirement In Every State. Are these numbers accurately adjusted for inflation? Which states will get you the most out of your million? What expenditures were not taken into consideration? Other topics include:

• How does a financial planner get involved in estate planning
• Strategies to avoid probate costs
• Trump threatening to shut down the government unless he gets funding for his wall
• What are the odds for tax reform?
• Biggest retirement mistakes I see

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

We’ve had quite a year in the markets between increasing values and emerging markets just crushing it. However, new studies show the “Trump Bump” has become a “Trump Slump” as the industrial and financial sectors see a correction. Smaller companies are more likely to feel the hurt from high corporate taxes and tax reform could finally be on the way. Today I look at positives and negatives in the market and what would change if tax reform makes it easier to repatriate cash. Other topics include:

• What to do with your inheritance?
• Alan is self employed. Can he deduct his family’s health insurance premiums on his corporate return?
• Self employed quick tips
• The E-Myth book
• Changing the way your think about taxes in retirement

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Albert Einstein once said “"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.” Today I put that quote to the test as I try and take on everything Bitcoin, the complex digital currency demanded by ransomware hackers. I also explain why Bitcoin is incredibly volatile due to its mining and valuation processes. Is this a currency or "wild west investing". Other topics include:

• The Bitcoin split, other cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology
• Companies that can or were supposed to accept Bitcoin
• Talking with older family members about health and finances
• Qualifying for Medi-CAL
• Social security while you’re still working. Is it a good idea or not?

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Domestic and international corporate earnings are up again with the best increase we’ve seen since 2011. Why? The US Dollar sank 10% since Trump took office, which is good for companies making profits overseas and want to bring their business back home. Today I discuss this and other geopolitical issues that affect the market. Other topics include:

• Charitable giving and tax planning –Why you should stop giving cash and start giving shares or funds
• Levels of investing –Why invest internationally at all?
• Getting yourself through retirement during a recession
• Retirement date funds

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

At 2 p.m. the Feds will announce their plans to unwind the balance sheet and not let interest rates that affect the overall economy go up too quickly. Today I look at how the world is affected by a dollar that gets too strong due to rapidly increasing interest rates. Other topics include:

• Borrowing on your 401k for the purchase of a first home
• Common retirement concerns
• Accessing you 401k early without penalties
• Divorce and retirement accounts
• 529 College savings plans

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Mashup Edition

Should we continue investing globally instead of focusing on our own economy? World markets are reaching new levels but the US dollar sinks to 10 month lows. Believe it or not this is actually good if you are looking at emerging and international developed markets. Other topics include:

• Timing the market incorrectly in retirement
• How the relationship between bonds and interest rates has resulted in lower than normal income for retirees
• Why you should avoid going to all cash
• Fixing annuities and life insurance policies you should not have bought

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore mashup edition

Electric vehicles are gaining traction and OPEC can no longer hold the world hostage. Today I discuss OPEC’s battle to increase their own production and boost barrel prices while discouraging competitors from fracking. Leaps in technology means cars will begin to depreciate faster than ever before. Should you consider leasing a car to avoid unaffordable auto loans; something which could become our next big issue? Other topics include:

• Paying for long term care –Self insuring, employer offered, 1035 exchanges for life insurance policies and reverse mortgages
• Avoiding bad financial and tax advice
• Roth IRA conversion strategies
• 529 college savings plans

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

With all the chaos currently happening in the White House, what is driving the stock market higher? People tend to forget the market is not a living thing but companies with revenues and earnings. Today I discuss current P/E ratios and revenue growth that show whether companies are actually doing well or not. Other topics include:

• 6 readiness tests you need to take before you retire
• Getting in to real estate investing
• When is the best time to take social security?

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

It’s a very busy week on Wall Street with over 200 S&P companies reporting earnings. Today I discuss the low volatility attitude in the market and why both bad and good reports aren’t getting much attention. I also explain how low volatility affects buying habits that may result in a market correction once everyone comes home from vacation. Shockingly enough Europe is up despite Brexit and the UK and US discussing new trade agreements. Other topics include:

• Why you should invest in emerging markets despite volatilities
• How “financial advisors” convince people to take money out of their 401k and into indexed life insurance policies
• Accessing your 401k early without penalties
• Divorce and retirement accounts
• Mutual funds vs. ETF’s

Retirement planning is more complicated than ever, and it can be hard to even know where to begin. But focusing on a few essential issues can help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Click HERE to sign up for our 10 a.m. seminar at Four Points by Sheraton on September 9th!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Should we continue investing globally instead of focusing on our own economy? World markets are reaching new levels but the US dollar sinks to 10 month lows. Believe it or not this is actually good if you are looking at emerging and international developed markets. Other topics include:

• Is the stock market pushing forward on Trump hopes for tax reform and a new NAFTA deal?
• Could a “stealth bear market” for long term bonds be out there?
• The dangers of bond funds
• Why REIT’s make me queasy
• Real estate as part of your wealth and flipping houses for income
• Monitoring your expenses before and in retirement
• Fixing annuities and life insurance policies you should not have bought

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

There are several major risks that can harm your retirement and the biggest one right now is the one that has been helping your stocks and real estate. Today I explain how the relationship between bonds and interest rates has resulted in lower than normal income for retirees. Will your portfolio be able to keep up with inflation even when low interest rates are being offset by shockingly low capital gains taxes? Other topics include:

• Having a detailed withdrawal strategy so you won’t be subject to the order of returns in retirement
• Timing the market in retirement
• Dealing with market all time highs
• Are target retirement date funds a good idea for you?

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 on Tuesday's and Wednesday's from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Subtle changes in now can have big changes on your portfolio in the future. Today I explain how sensitive a retirement plan can be to situations that go beyond healthcare. I also discuss timing the market in retirement and how it can be trickier than when you are younger and building wealth. A poor withdrawal strategy hurt you and your legacy! Other topics include:

• When do you want to have a mortgage entering retirement?
• How to fix an old life insurance policy that is falling apart
• How self-employed people hurt themselves with taxes by incorporating
• Roth 401k vs. standard 401k’s

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar this Thursday in Burlingame. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220. Join me at my new show time with Rob Black on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 a.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Summer has finally kicked off and wedding invitations are in the mail. Today I discuss things to do before and after your wedding, especially if this is a second marriage for you or your future spouse. For instance, how will your income change depending on alimony and child support? What does your postnuptial agreement cover that the prenuptial doesn’t? Other topics include:

• The amazing amount of denial as investors snap up junk bonds and ignore current market returns
• Long term portfolio draw and return strategies in retirement
• Same-sex marriage and social security
• Health as part of your retirement plan- DO NOT let your health force you into an early retirement
• Projecting healthcare costs in retirement

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Summer has finally kicked off and wedding invitations are in the mail. Today I discuss things to do before and after your wedding, especially if this is a second marriage for you or your future spouse. For instance, how will your income change depending on alimony and child support? What does your postnuptial agreement cover that the prenuptial doesn’t? Other topics include:

• The amazing amount of denial as investors snap up junk bonds and ignore current market returns
• Long term portfolio draw and return strategies in retirement
• Same-sex marriage and social security
• Health as part of your retirement plan- DO NOT let your health force you into an early retirement
• Projecting healthcare costs in retirement

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Many listeners are receiving notifications of rate increases on their long term care insurance policy. Is it generally better to swallow the rate hike or should you reduce your benefits till it’s affordable? What are your long term care insurance options as a business owner and explain requirements you need to meet before you can write off any expenses. Today I answer your insurance and investing questions:

• What is a hedge fund and do I have any recommendations?
• The new DOL fiduciary rule where fiduciaries will have to document fees and prove your best interests are being put first
• What is the difference between charitable gift funds and charitable remainder trusts?
• When do you consider a family foundation?
• The sandwich generation- claiming your adult children and parents as dependents

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The S&P was the focus of last week with the Feds announcing they were going to raise federal funds rate. Are we seeing an increase in estimates for bank earning as a result of another rate increase? Will banks be able to grow revenue and lend without excessive regulations? The midyear “doom and gloom” strategists are out predicting US markets to stay flat and we are due for a decent correction. I also discuss why you should consider investing globally as emerging markets make up 40% of global growth. Other topics include:

• Why you shouldn’t worry when financial gurus forecast the next financial disaster
• Lucy asks if she should accept the 15% rate increase from her long term care insurance policy or reduce her benefits
• Realistic planning for retirement when you’re way behind
• 1035 Exchange- one option for using life insurance to pay for long term care costs
• Should Dave shift all of his contributions to a Roth 457?

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

It’s cheaper to invest now than ever before. The most important aspect of building wealth is systematically saving in low cost investments when issues such as timing the market mean nothing. Retirement presents major risks to your financial plan when things like inflation, health care costs and taxes can negatively affect your chances of long term success. Today I explain how to fight these risks using proper withdrawal strategies and double checking with Monte Carlo simulation. Other topics include:

• Where should Andrew put his safe money in his tax deferred accounts now that he is 4 years from retirement
• Ruth wonders if she should still set up a living trust if Trump plans to repeal estate taxes
• Mistakes people make with Medicare Part B signup
• Reviewing 529 plans- what mistakes are being made?

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Once you enter retirement it becomes more important to keep a close eye on your portfolio and overall plan. Today I cover common spending issues many American’s face in retirement including going into retirement with a withdrawal strategy, options for adjusting your withdrawal rate after a market decline and adjusting for inflation. Other topics include:

• A-B trusts- Another reason not to let Trump delay your estate planning
• Smart beta ETF’s
• Tackling debt using the debt-snowball method
• Fraudulent tax returns
• What to expect from the new administration’s tax reform hints

Planning for retirement can be complicated, but focusing on a few essential issues could help increase your income in retirement and your chances of enjoying a secure future. Join Rob Black and I for lunch at our 11:00 a.m. retirement seminar in Burlingame on July 13th. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

There are a ridiculous amount of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) out there. Today I explain why ETF’s were created and what makes them so popular. With so many choices available I let you know which ETF’s are good and those you need to steer clear of. I also look at their advantages and disadvantages compared to index mutual funds. Other topics include:

• 2 reasons why women’s progress in the workplace has flat lined in the Bay Area
• Your biggest estate planning issues that Trump won’t affect
• Health care and other considerations when working or retiring outside the US

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

A real fiduciary puts your best interests before theirs and presents you with options. He/she does not have to meet a sales quota and won’t set you up with a plan that serves them. Today I explain how using the wrong rates of returns and wrong inflation rates affect your chances of a successful retirement. I also cover two articles about the disturbing inflation trends harming social security and a few silver linings to this creeping inflation. Other topics include:

• Should you include social security in financial plans?
• Timing issues -Why investors are not getting the returns the funds are reporting
• Why you shouldn’t wait on Trump to set up your estate plan
• ESG investing vs. social responsible investing
• How to fix an annuity

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

It’s cheaper to invest now than ever before. The most important aspect of building wealth is systematically saving in low cost investments when issues such as timing the market mean nothing. Retirement presents major risks to your financial plan when things like inflation, health care costs and taxes can negatively affect your chances of long term success. Today I explain how to fight these risks using proper withdrawal strategies and double checking with Monte Carlo simulation. Other topics include:

• Where should Andrew put his safe money in his tax deferred accounts now that he is 4 years from retirement
• Ruth wonders if she should still set up a living trust if Trump plans to repeal estate taxes
• Mistakes people make with Medicare Part B signup
• Reviewing 529 plans- what mistakes are being made?

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

It’s cheaper to invest now than ever before. The most important aspect of building wealth is systematically saving in low cost investments when issues such as timing the market mean nothing. Retirement presents major risks to your financial plan when things like inflation, health care costs and taxes can negatively affect your chances of long term success. Today I explain how to fight these risks using proper withdrawal strategies and double checking with Monte Carlo simulation. Other topics include:

• Where should Andrew put his safe money in his tax deferred accounts now that he is 4 years from retirement
• Ruth wonders if she should still set up a living trust if Trump plans to repeal estate taxes
• Mistakes people make with Medicare Part B signup
• Reviewing 529 plans- what mistakes are being made?

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars this Saturday to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up! 

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The big news story this week is the WannaCry Ransomware attacks affecting businesses around the world. Learning to protect yourself online is important when family photos and financial data are at risk. Today I cover necessary practices such as keeping updated hardware and software, two-factor authentication and backing up your files. Decrease your chances of getting hacked! Other topics include:

• Safe withdrawal rates in retirement
• What’s going to drive you in retirement?
• Life insurance sales pitch seminars that promise you can’t lose money
• Auto-escalation and auto-rebalancing – is automation helping people save for retirement?

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Today I discuss California’s real estate problem since half of the Bay Area millennials plan on fleeing, citing housing and cost of living as main reasons. I pick apart new tax plan rumors and explain standardized deductions vs. itemized deductions. Other topics include:

• 2 types of people who take social security early and government drawbacks when they do
• April’s earnings scorecard –Are we out of our revenue recession?
• When motivational investing events hurt
• Hedging the US Dollar
• Protecting your wealth by setting safe money aside

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Where are we at today? International developed funds and ETF’s saw a nice pop in the market today and banks and small caps rebound from their post-“Trump Bump” decline. Briefing.com posts an article about North Korea, the boarder wall and Trump’s tax plan. I also rant about people who research market news articles that only reflect their mood. Other topics include:

• Breaking down Alpha- Why investing based on the cheapest fees may not be the best options
• What to review now that tax return is done
• Millennials and retirement planning mistakes
• People who jump jobs because they fail at comparing companies

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

On today’s show I explain maximizing your income taxes through proper tax bracket management. This starts with making sure your IRA withdrawal and Roth conversion plans match your estate planning goals. You may want to take advantage of a Stretch Roth IRA or Stretch IRA in your estate plan. I then move on to other estate planning mistakes such as non-qualified annuities, creating a separate trust for younger or spendthrift children, not using IRA's to donate to charities and estate planning tips if you have saved $5.5 million or more.

Towards the end of the show I discuss what needs to be done after someone dies, from getting the estate tax ID number and death certificates to contacting social security and other professionals.

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Americans are well aware that tax returns and IRA contributions must be postmarked by tomorrow, but so many avoid filing extensions even though that may be the best option. I explain how to handle self-employed income and how the Schedule C tax differs from the LLC and S Corp. Other topics include:

• Protecting yourself from investment fraud
• Tax deferral and ROTH strategies approaching retirement
• Are you projecting your retirement expenses correctly?
• Industry demand for CFP’s

Whether you're 20 or you're 60, managing your money can get complicated. Please join us for one of our two seminars to learn strategies that can help you build wealth, invest confidently, retire better, and pass on your estate while minimizing taxes. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

It’s going to be a short but interesting week for the market. An anti-EU French Presidential candidate is gaining ground and Trump’s moves in Syria could be viewed as a way of intimidating North Korea and China. Earnings reports will be coming in soon with high expectations while sectors that had the biggest "Trump Bump" did not preform well for the quarter. I also cover a Think Advisor article with good news for people with pension plans. Other topics include:

• What is your best option when Bay Area home ownership is no longer feasible?
• Fixing old life insurance policies
• Child care tax credit- calculating if you should go back to work after having a child
• What are the options for this listener who can no longer afford his old life insurance premiums with his current job?

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

We are starting to see some volatility after the market sees 8 straight negative days; are we due for a bear market or are we due for a long term bull thanks to technology and innovation? Today I also rants about my thoughts on how our government measures our economy with GDP. Is it even close to accurate? Other topics include:

• Real estate prices have gone up, but rates are still low – is now time to move up?
• Understanding REITs and correlation to interest rates
• Auto loan debt and leasing cars
• Top two most important issues when updating your estate plan

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Today I start out by covering an article from Kiplinger on the 15 most overlooked tax deductions. I also explain the pros and cons of health savings accounts, who they work best for and how you can use them after retirement. What is the truth behind investment events that are meant to hype you up for one product? What actually happens when you buy into ‘get rich quick’ investment events that only hype a single product? Other topics include:

• Trader mentality vs. dividend achiever mentality – who wins in the long run?
• How much money should you have saved for retirement at different stages of life
• Calculating your actual retirement number
• Annuities –which are good and which are not

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

We’re in the heart of tax season and the April 18th deadline is approaching quickly. Today I remind you what filing an extension does and does not allow you to do and to be aware of increased IRS scams and identity theft attempts. You may have sensitive documents in your email that hackers will want. I also discuss funding Backdoor Roth IRA’s. Other topics include:

• Debunking the Trump budget misinformation and economic numbers
• Questions to ask before rolling over your 401k
• Reducing taxes on Inherited Stretch IRA’s
• Alan has too much cash, a large IRA and doesn’t want to take RMD’s –what are his options?
• Strategies for Liz and her husband to consider before they take time off following the birth of their child

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

I give my thoughts on several topics emailed in by you, the listeners. First off I’ll talk about Donald Trump and the markets response immediately following his election. I discuss drivers that can continue to push the market higher and issues that could cause a pullback. How does this compare to last year when our main concerns included the oil decline, rate hikes and Apple’s problems in China? Other topics include:

• Should you take profits while the market is high and pay down home equity?
• Where is a good place to invest emergency funds?
• What should we do to protect our portfolios from inflation?
• What is the correct strategy for this couple with difference risk tolerances and can’t agree how to invest

Join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I at our next retirement seminar starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Children don’t come cheap. A Bloomberg article reports the cost of having children hits $233,610, a 3% increase from last year’s survey. Costs such as housing, transportation, food and clothing are broken down, but one significant expense is excluded from this survey. Does it make sense for one parent to stay home? Making sure the true net of your income exceeds child care costs is one of many financial concerns you need to review before having kids. Other topics include:

• The trust of a real estate millionaire who left conditional money to his daughters provides a good outline you should consider for you own estate plan
• Goldman Sachs claims bonds to stocks rotation to be fake news
• Lower taxes and social security –self-employed and high-income earners will get slammed by taxes
• Why good credit matters after retirement

Join Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I at our next retirement seminar starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Today I start out by responding to Pam who asks if she could increase her social security benefits by delaying social security until age 70 while earning more during that time. What are restricted applications and how do you use it to boost your/spousal benefits? I also chat with Michelle Lerman about common IRA estate planning scenarios and alternative options for taking care of your children and second spouse after death. Other topics include

• Costly Medicare part B premiums
• Gift taxes and tax deferred growth- is it wise to gift your children $14,000 yearly for tax purposes?
• What is this listener missing in his 401k allocation
• How much should agressive investors in emergency funds when your income varies

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Children don’t come cheap. A Bloomberg article reports the cost of having children hits $233,610, a 3% increase from last year’s survey. Costs such as housing, transportation, food and clothing are broken down, but one significant expense is excluded from this survey. Does it make sense for one parent to stay home? Making sure the true net of your income exceeds child care costs is one of many financial concerns you need to review before having kids. Other topics include:

• The trust of a real estate millionaire who left conditional money to his daughters provides a good outline you should consider for you own estate plan
• Goldman Sachs claims bonds to stocks rotation to be fake news
• Lower taxes and social security –self-employed and high-income earners will get slammed by taxes
• Why good credit matters after retirement

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

2017 got off to a good start last week, but is this expected to continue? Today I talk about expectations as we enter an administration under President-elect Trump. Did the volatility index change due to fear or anticipation?  Can the run in small-caps continue? What are some positives we can look forward to during the next 4 years? Other topics include:

• Beth has a few questions about 529 plans regarding her children. What are the options for one who wants to live off campus and another with special needs and does not want to further their education?
• Three ways to stress test your portfolio
• How much cash would it take for you to delay your social security?
• Gold IRA’s and REIT’s–One is HORRIBLE and one may still be a hedge against inflation

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The Dow almost hit 20,000 but what else happened in 2016? Today I review which companies, sectors and asset classes achieved above market growth and which stayed flat or declined.  What will be the biggest stories in 2017? Could the increase in rates contribute to changes in real estate? What about underfunded pension plans or overseas cash being repatriated? Other topics include:

• Identity theft protection, life insurance, home and auto insurance among other insurance do's and do not's
• Americans are more focused on their financial planning, but are we planning far enough ahead?
• A listener asks if an S-Corp can help save on self-employment taxes
• 2017's month-by-month financial to-do list

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore edition

The Dow almost hit 20,000 but what else happened in 2016? Today I review which companies, sectors and asset classes achieved above market growth and which stayed flat or declined.  What will be the biggest stories in 2017? Could the increase in rates contribute to changes in real estate? What about underfunded pension plans or overseas cash being repatriated? Other topics include:

• Identity theft protection, life insurance, home and auto insurance among other insurance do's and do not's
• Americans are more focused on their financial planning, but are we planning far enough ahead?
• A listener asks if an S-Corp can help save on self-employment taxes
• 2017's month-by-month financial to-do list

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Do you buy and hold your ESPP discounted employer stock or sell and use it for something else? Learn the difference between ESPP, RSU, qualified and non-qualified stock options and how people are using their shares. Other topics include:

• New Year’s investing resolutions
• Pros to a rate hike from the feds
• HSA strategies (Healthcare Savings Accounts)
• Challenges of retiring abroad

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Is any job safe? Today Rob Black learns about a robot that makes sushi and wonders how automation will affect jobs in the future. He also discusses perks to using credit cards over debit cards in several situations and why he carries 3-4 different cards. Other topics include:

• Beneficial investing and saving apps
• Unqualified people in the insurance industry
• What should your asset allocation be when planning for retirement?
• Peer to peer lending

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visitwww.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Rob Black and I get geared up for tomorrows’s 10 Pillars of Retirement webinar. If you’re planning on retiring within the next 10 years Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will focus on retirement and estate planning issues that increase your chances for an ideal retirement. Topics for today’s show include:

• Financial planning process to create a retirement plan
• Transitioning into retirement
• What does retirement truly cost?
• Major changes to retirement planning
• The market’s effect on retirees
• Tomorrow’s 10 Pillars agenda

Tomorrow's 10 Pillars of Retirement webinar on the 21st is FREE, but we still need you to sign up! Click HERE to register for information and strategies you’ll need if you want to increase your chances at a care-free retirement.

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Today the DOW closed above 19,000 –Is now the time to sell? I breakdown previous market highs and lows and review the makeup of the DOW vs the S&P 500. What two factors generally hurt large cap companies, but have caused small and mid cap stocks to rally the past 13+ days? Other topics include:

• Investing in international stocks despite Trump trade agreement scares
• Lower taxes and the growing concern regarding under-funded state pensions may affect the attractiveness of tax free municipal bonds
• Long term care insurance options
• ‘Tis the season for making the most out your donations. Gifting appreciated stock to charities and other strategies to consider as the holidays roll in
• IRA’s –What you can and can’t do now and what strategies are likely to change 

Our 10 Pillars of Retirement webinar on the 21st is FREE, but we still need you to sign up! Click HERE to register for information and strategies you’ll need if you want to increase your chances at a care-free retirement.

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Do you buy and hold your ESPP discounted employer stock or sell and use it for something else? Learn the difference between ESPP, RSU, qualified and non-qualified stock options and how people are using their shares. Other topics include:

• New Year’s investing resolutions
• Pros to a rate hike from the feds
• HSA strategies (Healthcare Savings Accounts)
• Challenges of retiring abroad

Our 10 Pillars of Retirement webinar on the 21st is FREE, but we still need you to sign up! Click HERE to register for information and strategies you’ll need if you want to increase your chances at a care-free retirement.

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Is any job safe? Today Rob Black learns about a robot that makes sushi and wonders how automation will affect jobs in the future. He also discusses perks to using credit cards over debit cards in several situations and why he carries 3-4 different cards. Other topics include:

• Beneficial investing and saving apps
• Unqualified people in the insurance industry
• What should your asset allocation be when planning for retirement?
• Peer to peer lending

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Today the DOW closed above 19,000 –Is now the time to sell? I breakdown previous market highs and lows and review the makeup of the DOW vs the S&P 500. What two factors generally hurt large cap companies, but have caused small and mid cap stocks to rally the past 13+ days? Other topics include:

• Investing in international stocks despite Trump trade agreement scares
• Lower taxes and the growing concern regarding under-funded state pensions may affect the attractiveness of tax free municipal bonds
• Long term care insurance options
• ‘Tis the season for making the most out your donations. Gifting appreciated stock to charities and other strategies to consider as the holidays roll in
• IRA’s –What you can and can’t do now and what strategies are likely to change 

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Encore Edition

Today the DOW closed above 19,000 –Is now the time to sell? I breakdown previous market highs and lows and review the makeup of the DOW vs the S&P 500. What two factors generally hurt large cap companies, but have caused small and mid cap stocks to rally the past 13+ days? Other topics include:

• Investing in international stocks despite Trump trade agreement scares
• Lower taxes and the growing concern regarding under-funded state pensions may affect the attractiveness of tax free municipal bonds
• Long term care insurance options
• ‘Tis the season for making the most out your donations. Gifting appreciated stock to charities and other strategies to consider as the holidays roll in
• IRA’s –What you can and can’t do now and what strategies are likely to change 

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

The market has taken some interesting ups and downs since the elections. Even though the DOW is at all-time highs I breakdown sectors that have gained v. those that have declined. I answer the one question you’ve probably been asking yourself “Do I need to change my portfolio based on a Trump presidency?” Other topics include:

• 8 Things you should do before the end of the year; even with Donald Trump as the new President
• The dangers of using public Wi-Fi and the correct way to send financial information to your mortgage broker
• Top rated 529 College-Savings Plans by Morningstar

Join Rob Black and I at one of our retirement workshops at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto this Thursday. Admission is only $5 to learn about current market conditions, retirement planning issues and estate planning strategies. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Emotions are running high around the country since Donald Trump has beaten Hillary Clinton in the White House race. Rob Black attempts to calm the waters by looking at other Presidents who were supposed to destroy the country and what the middle-right could bring to the table. Other topics include:

• 4th quarter volatility and sectors that are likely to experience economic in 2017
• Not getting sucked into holiday debt
• A listener going through a divorce asks if he should refinance his adjustable rate mortgage
• Should we expect a market collapse now that Trump is president?

Join Rob Black and I at one of our next retirement workshops at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto. Admission is only $5 to learn about current market conditions, retirement planning issues and estate planning strategies. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

What will happen to the market tomorrow when the election is over? Candidates need to step up and address the big tax issues that are keeping our nation back. Other topics include:

• Recent revenue and healthcare growth -Can it continue?
• How do you take the emotion out of investing and avoid mistakes?
• Long term view of the market and your financial planning process
• 18 Reasons Americans Are Afraid to Retire

Join Rob Black and I at one of our next retirement workshops at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto. Admission is only $5 to learn about current market conditions, retirement planning issues and estate planning strategies. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Holiday season is around the corner and the kids will be coming home. Take advantage of this time to do more than just catch up, educate them about money mistakes to avoid and help set them on the path to proper saving. The Department of Justice rolls out new rules trying to get bad annuities out of the 401k rollovers market all while pushing indexing and ETF investments instead. Other topics include:

• Harry calls in asking how his daughter should be setting up her 403B
• Peter (36) owns two life insurance policies and wonders if this is too much. What else does he need to consider when he reviews his insurance?
• The FBI won’t charge Hillary Clinton and the market responds. Will a Trump or Hillary win really matter in the long run?

Join Rob Black and I at one of our next retirement workshops at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto. Admission is only $5 to learn about current market conditions, retirement planning issues and estate planning strategies. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

United Way used to be the largest charity in the United States. That honor now belongs to Fidelity Charitable who is changing the way Americans give with the use of tax-friendly donor-advised funds. What is the best way to gift appreciated stock? Other topics include:

• Where should your allocate your 3 years of safe money?
• Using your IRA Required Minimum Distribution to make a gift to charity
• Reducing 401k fees within your businesses
• More nightmarish investing mistakes

Join Rob Black and I at one of our next retirement workshops at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto. Admission is only $5 to learn about current market conditions, retirement planning issues and estate planning strategies. Click HERE to sign up!

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

There are countless ways to create wealth, but there are some concepts you should be wary of. Rob Black warns us against annuities with high commission costs and provides several reasons why purchasing foreclosed properties are rarely the deal you hope them to be. Other topics include:

• Clothing resale websites
• Financial regrets and mistakes
• Healthcare in retirement
• Taking the worst case scenario mentality to financial planning
• Positives to responsible credit card use

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com, or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Financial issues remain one of the major causes of divorce, but should you own a Freedom Fund going into a marriage? The relatively new Collaborative Divorce effort presents a better mediation process.  I also take a look at how to properly present a prenup and protect family money in an estate plan.

• Paying taxes on XLF distributions and tax friendly indexed funds
• Statistics on long term care costs
• Hillary Clinton’s ridiculous proposed increase on estate taxes.

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.

Does it really matter who wins the presidential election? Both candidates have major faults that are causing uncertainty, but which two groups of voters bear the most risk going into the election and what should their plan be? Other topics include:

• Donald Trump taking advantage of NOLs (Net Operating Loss), one of our major tax code flaws
• An article about overseas values and global asset allocations
• Taxable investment accounts vs. 529 plans
• How to save for a college education and other college costs

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com , or call the show at 1-800-516-1220 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT)

Call 1-888-762-2423 for Wealth Management and Financial Planning services or visit www.NewFocusFinancial.com.