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.

OPEC agrees to cut oil production, who are the winners and losers in this decision? Rob Black discusses this among other news stories including what will happen when the feds raise rates, what stocks you may want to own depending on the presidential election outcome, Deutsche bank’s $14 billion fine and the all-glass iPhone 8 rumors. He also talks about general money issues and scenarios such as balancing money management and happiness at any age and understanding how much you spend and on what.

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.

Timing means everything when it comes to rebalancing your portfolio, but how can you keep it simple and still get decent results? How does this affect your retirement income strategy? What do you do when you’re still building wealth? Other topics include:

• Earnings growth in emerging markets
• What should you be doing when retirement is 1 year away?
• Mortgage relief gimmicks on social media
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) report where an averaged 8 of 26 people receive poor advice that cost them money
• Can the state really make off with your IRA?
• How much in liquid assets do you need before you consult a financial planner?

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 address market concerns which include high P/E ratios, REIT sector debuting in the S&P 500 today, market ties to politics which are delaying the rate hike and the Wells Fargo scandal. I also explain how you prepare for market corrections at different ages. How can younger generations avoid falling victim to fear and greed investment pitches on social media? How do retirees time the market? Other topics include:

• How low interest rates are changing the way insurance companies operate
• An article from former SSA Director, Kurt Czarnowski- 7 Tips to Maximize Social Security Benefits
• Tracking down lost 401k’s and how to roll them over

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.

Are we due for a recession? Rob Black dissects situations that have a major impact on the economy such as the European Central Bank deciding against policy changes, oil prices creeping up but remain overall low due to a slowed global economy. Rob discusses stock market yields of Apple, TJ Maxx and Mylan Labs. He also talks about situations we will be discussing at this weekend’s seminar in San Rafael and mentally preparing yourself for the next market correction.

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar this Saturday morning, September 10th at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael. Starting at 9 a.m. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Are economic numbers being measured correctly? The Institute for Supply Management conveniently reports a slowdown in manufacturing before elections, decreasing possibility of rate hike. I then focus on the financial aspects of immigration pointing out flaws in the argument for legalizing illegal immigrants simply to make them tax payers. Other topics include:

• When is it appropriate to include emerging market bonds to your portfolio?
• ETF’s shutting down at a record pace
• Big changes to the S&P 500 that will increase volatility in REIT’s as they become their own sector in the market
• Living trusts, QTIP trusts and Gene Wilder’s death

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar on September 10 at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael where Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Rob Black sits in and talks about some of this quarters biggest headlines including Stanley Fischer’s comments on productivity, growth and rates, Apple owing €13 billion in taxes to Ireland, crude oil, Walmart buying Jet and an ISIS leader reportedly killed in Syria. Other topics include:

• Retirement expenses to plan for now that people are living longer
• Retirement seminar insights
• A poll about biggest financial regrets
• Story investing and other bad financial decisions

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar on September 10 at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael where Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Is a new tax code on the horizon? I discuss the US Treasury Departments’ proposal to eliminate a strategy that allows business owners to reduce estate and gift taxes for their heirs. I also discuss S&P 500’s above average revenue and earnings performance even though 5 sectors report year over year declines and Japan’s flattened GDP issues which are worse than ours. Other topics include:

• Solutions to excessive 401k fees
• passive vs. active managed funds
• New parent Joe asks if I recommend a New York or Utah 529 plan
• Warning against variable annuities with surrender charge

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar on September 10 at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael where Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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

I express my frustration over parents who sacrifice their retirement plan due to college costs and the lack of wage inflation among the middle class. I then talk about the American Opportunity Tax Credit which can shave $10,000 off the cost of a college education, explaining where to find more information and who is eligible. Other topics include:

• Fatal flaws that caused the death of traditional retirement planning
• Listener Charles emails regarding a misleading annuity offer assuming a 5.2% rate of return
• How to avoid taxes on social security
• Dividend achiever stocks
• Insurance mistakes

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar on September 10 at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael where Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Do you hold stock through your company? I share how to handle stock when approaching retirement, the number 1 rule for stock option planning and basic types of stock options. I also explain when you should consider selling and how to correctly report taxes so you don’t end up paying twice. Other topics include:

• Flip-flopping passive and active investment strategies
• Jamie asks a question about getting her parents to qualify for MediCal
• Working past 70 ½ and rules for contributing to IRA’s
• ABLE Accounts, a 529 type plan for individuals with special needs
• Where to hold safe money when most of your retirement assets are in a 401k
• A concerning question about the best investment sectors for couples close to retirement

Don’t forget to register for our Retirement & Wealth Preservation seminar on September 10 at Four Points by Sheraton in San Rafael where Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will cover strategies to help with complicated retirement wealth and estate plans. Registration is only $5 so 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.

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.

Is a new tax code on the horizon? I discuss the US Treasury Departments’ proposal to eliminate a strategy that allows business owners to reduce estate and gift taxes for their heirs. I also discuss S&P 500’s above average revenue and earnings performance even though 5 sectors report year over year declines and Japan’s flattened GDP issues which are worse than ours. Other topics include:

• Solutions to excessive 401k fees
• passive vs. active managed funds
• New parent Joe asks if I recommend a New York or Utah 529 plan
• Warning against variable annuities with surrender charge

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.

Could we see a rate hike this December? Today I dissect Professor Jeremy Siegel’s comments on how strong employment and wage numbers could keep December in play for a rate hike. I also take a look at the market new which includes ugly trade numbers from China , Walmart buying Jet.com and the FTC focusing on better regulations for celebrities being involved with social media advertisements. Other topics include:

• Baby boomers turning 70 ½. What is the best way to begin taking required minimum distributions and how will this affect the economy?
• A survey that connects debt and millennial investing reluctance
• Managing TSP accounts
• A loose guide for millennials to begin investing

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 markets pulled back in earnings today, but companies are still beating overall expectations. Today I look at some of the negatives hurting the market which includes stock buybacks and Donald Trump’s remarks on investing. Are we starting to see signs of inflation and where is it coming from? I then discuss Social security claiming strategies and their risks. I also respond to several listener emails:

• Sue owns several shares of LinkedIn and asks how to deal with taxes
• Brett asks if government employee pensions are taxed if you move to a income tax free state
• Rameesh wants to know if index funds or ETF’s are better
• Sherry asks what is my recommended contribution breakdown for traditional and Roth 401ks

To learn more about Wake the World, get involved by clicking HERE to donate or volunteer.

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.

Rob Black and I get geared up for tonight’s 10 Pillars of Retirement seminar at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. 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
• Tonight’s 10 Pillars agenda

There's still time to sign up for tonight's 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. The seminar begins at 6:30 p.m. and registration is only $5 so 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 market has posted lots of record highs lately, but what has bought us here? Rob Black takes a look at defensive stocks (telecom, utilities and healthcare) which did well today and why the losers (materials, industrials and energy) are causing a little fear in the market. Other topics include:

• Tesla’s plan to expand into pickup trucks, SUVs’ and more
• Southwest and other airlines losing pricing power
• Starbucks missing expectations
• Elections impacting the economy
• Weakening transportation index
• Healthcare stocks
• Simplified investing though demographic marketing
• Apple to make $2 Billion from Pokemon GO

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Brexit was supposed to destroy the economy, so why have stocks and bonds rallied the past three weeks and why have earnings fallen since last year? I also talk about emerging market stocks and three reasons to stay globally diversified. Other topics include:

• REIT’s causing volatility between the S&P 500’s new real estate sector and the financial sector
• A story that shows how the MediCal and Medicaid programs are hurting our nation
• Flaws in an article about improving retirement
• Next week’s 10 Pillars of Retirement seminar in Burlingame

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Rob Black sits in and gives us the big picture look of today’s economy. Markets are at all time highs despite Brexit, highs and lows in oil supply and other major scares that were supposed to destroy the economy. He also discusses Amazon Prime day as the biggest shopping day, Britain’s Post-Brexit economy, the market showing more faith in staples over technology, Donald Trump closing the gap on Hillary Clinton, Japan’s new messaging app Line, Netflix and HBO GO- Is content king or is streaming, the 10 Pillars of Retirement Seminar and social security mistakes, augmented reality technology, Warren Buffet’s comments on interest rates causing irrational competition and more.

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Choosing a financial planner means finding a person you trust with your most personal and sensitive information. Today I share a list of information and concerns you need to share with your financial planning team upon the first meeting. I then give a quick overview of what Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will be discussing at this month’s Retirement Seminar in Burlingame and explain the Health Savings Accounts article available on our blog. I also discuss simple steps to decrease your estate costs and IRA vs. Roth IRA- Which is better?

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Will the feds ever raise rates in a  post-Brexit world? Today I discuss global market news such as Brexit and odd outcomes of elections around the world. I also cover comments from Prof. Jeremy Siegel on what could cause earning to rise by year end. Other topics include:

• Lack of end of life planning discussions with family
• Helping your elderly parents with MediCal planning when expensive nursing homes are involved
• Long term risks of being a stay at home parent
• An undergrad student wonders if they should pay down existing student debt or begin investing?

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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 market looks set to remain rather unimpressive this quarter despite today’s jump thanks to Brexit related uncertainty. Brits are now grasping what they’ve voted for now that there are calls for a second vote and articles circulating such as Is Brexit Really As Distruptive As We Think or 4 Things That Have To Happen [now that the UK has left the European Union]. Other topics discussed today include:

• ThinkAdvisors’ 5 Challenges facing the next wave of retirees article
• “Crazy” Credit Cards for the Filthy Rich
• Protecting your debit card from identity theft
• Insurance issues small businesses often forget
• Maximizing your childs 529 plan
• Roth IRA conversions after retirement as part of distribution planning

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, July 28th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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.

I open today’s show by giving my take on how MSCI deciding against the inclusion of mainland shares in the Chinese index, a potential bond trap stemming from Brexit and some positive light on extremely volatile mortgage REITs among other Wall Street stories affect your portfolio. Yesterday’s discussion about Roth IRA conversions comes up again while responding to a couple questions about Roth conversions in kind and converting from a 401k to spread out taxes. James from Piedmont calls with some concern about the future of telecom and utilities P/E rates. Other topics today include:

• Indexed life insurance presenting a prime example of why better regulations for financial advisors are needed
• Umbrella insurance
• The proper way to title a home in California
• How to buy insurance on a stock portfolio without constantly buying Puts
• What to do with safe money when you choose to work past retirement age

There's still time to sign up for this Thursdays 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so click HERE to sign up or email me for the free code to get in!

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.

Most Americans live without a detailed budget set in place; I go over several retirement expenses that are often overlooked or underestimated yet hold a major impact on your retirement. Why do we need the feds to raise rates this year? Do we see signs of inflation? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 70% Americans 65+ will need some form of extended care, how do you plan for this possibility? I then discuss a Bankrate survey that says most Americans have financial regrets. I also explain the correct way to loan money to your children for a down payment.

Don’t forget to sign up for our 10 Pillars of Retirement Income Planning seminar on Thursday, June 16th at Double Tree by Hilton in Burlingame. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will share investment ideas and estate planning mistakes to avoid that will help you live well for decades. Registration is only $5 so 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 qualifies as a successful retirement? I explain why it’s more than not being reliant on fixed amounts. I then take a look at living trusts and life insurance issues by discussing bypass trusts, by leaving an IRA to your kids, the Department of Labor rule that prevents sales of bad financial products and why life insurance sales are decreasing.

I also respond to a couple of listener emails. One couple asks what they should do with their assets when they don’t trust anyone to sell or donate them after their death. Another couple has a family revocable living trust are unsure who to label as the beneficiary of their IRA accounts.

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.

Most Americans live without a detailed budget set in place; I go over several retirement expenses that are often overlooked or underestimated yet hold a major impact on your retirement. Why do we need the feds to raise rates this year? Do we see signs of inflation? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 70% Americans 65+ will need some form of extended care, how do you plan for this possibility? I then discuss a Bankrate survey that says most Americans have financial regrets. I also explain the correct way to loan money to your children for a down payment.

Don't forget about our upcoming seminar this Thursday at Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport where Rob Black and I will explain how to build a retirement portfolio that lasts. Registration is only $5 so 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 the 7.1% decline of blended earnings for the first quarter of 2016, citing a drop of 107% in the energy sector alone as a major contributor. I also explain why the volatility of oil prices may not be over even though there has been supply interruptions. Jeffrey Gundlach weighs in on the Presidential campaign by discussing the possibility of Donald Trump increasing the budget deficit while producing short term economic gain. This spurs a discussion about global debt issues, rate hikes and tackling US debt. I explain some repercussions to “no-brainer” social security fixes and the ONLY two instances where immediate annuities are a good idea. I also share some alarming numbers from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics about people working past retirement age and how to avoid working after age 65.

Don't forget about our upcoming seminar this Thursday at Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport where Rob Black and I will explain how to build a retirement portfolio that lasts. Registration is only $5 so 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.

Rob opens today's show with several stories including one that shows just how expensive real estate in the Bay Area has become. He then relates this story to the oil crisis and explains how understanding supply and demand helps to understand investing. Other topics discussed today include:

• Being cautious of pushy investors and scammy techniques.
• Comparing stocks on Wall Street.
• Having a financial plan, especially when you are married or have children.
• Paying attention to your spending on fundamentals.
• How does the stock market currently resemble "Dad Bod"?

Don't forget about our upcoming seminar at Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport on May 19th where Rob Black and I will explain how to build a retirement portfolio that lasts. Registration is only $5 so 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

A conversation I overheard bringsup a discussion about dealing with children who are bad withmoney,especially when it affects your estate plan. I thendiscuss leaving money in a living trust and naming atrustee. A Bloomberg article about American’s choosingto study abroad leads me to explain how 529 plans can be usedoutside of the US. Why you should take a trial run at retirement. Irespond to Dan’s question about where to keep safe money andprovide an interesting alternative to an FDIC. Bad rules of thumbfor retirement planning.

Don'tforget about our upcoming seminar at Four Points by SheratonSan Jose Airport on May 19th where Rob Black and I will explainhowto build a retirement portfolio that lasts. Registration isonly $5 so click HERE to sign up! 

Email your money question to chad@newfocusfinancial.com,or callthe show at 1-800-516-1220 from2:00-3:00p.m.(PDT)

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

Encore Edition

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.

Don't forget about our upcoming seminar at Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport on May 19th where Rob Black and I will explain how to build a retirement portfolio that lasts. Registration is only $5 so 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 review what has happened in an overall flat first quarter ranging from the possible “bottoming” of commodities to the positive performances from emerging markets and small cap funds topping the index. James from Piedmont calls up to get my opinion about the new tax-inversion rules that killed the Pfizer-Allergan merger and clear up a previous statement about contributing to your Roth IRA after filing tax returns for Jeff. I also discuss the Department of Labor finally confronting the rollover abuse that has cost retirees thousands of dollars every year and go over how you benefit from a financial planner. How to be your parents’ financial helper.

Don't forget about our upcoming seminar at Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport on May 19th where Rob Black and I will explain how to build a retirement portfolio that last. Registration is only $5 so 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.

As Americans continue to work longer hours time for activities diminishes along with everything else, and cooking falls pretty low on the priority list. This week Kym talks with several CEO’s and investors who are taking advantage by bringing healthy meals to you.

First in studio is Methodology CEO, Julie Nguyen, who share how her previously unhealthy lifestyle led to the creation of a business that cooks meals and delivers to your doorstep.

Kym then calls up Bento CEO, Jason Demant, who tells us what he learned from similar business SpoonRocket and how he tweaked the ordering format so his Asian cuisine stands a better chance at success.

Munchery co-founder, Tri-Tran, discusses how he is competing with the already popular Blue Apron.

Sprig investors Justin Waldron and Amitt Mahajan call in to talk about what drew Justin to Sprig when he is the co-founder of Zynga gaming. Farmville co-founder Amitt talks about the evolution of food delivery with drones.

Kym also talks with Gagan Biyani, Sprig CEO and Julie’s biggest competitor, who explains why people would choose Sprig over their favorite restaurant that delivers and the future of this market.

To have your questions answered by Kym and her guests call 1-800-516-1220 on Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (PDT) 

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 a few self-employment situations and compare filing as a sole proprietor vs. an S-corp. I explain FICA taxes and when you should create an S-corp or LLC. A news article prompts me to remind people to protect themselves by using a custodian. Other topics include:

• Approaching 4/30 deadline for filing and suspending social security benefits and funding IRA's.
• Explanation of how tax inversion hurts our economy.
• A warning on equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with income guarantee riders.
• Jumpstarting your children’s retirement with Roth IRA contributions over a 529 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.

I start out today’s show with an update on S&P 500 performance and junk bond results before chewing out the mortgage industry and other financing professionals for sending documents via email with social security numbers. I then provide several situations that demonstrate why you should throw out old rules of thumb for calculating how much you need to save for retirement.  Also discussed today:

• Safe money options and tips.
• Tackling debt by paying off the lowest balance first.
• Determining if your old whole life and universal life policy is worth keeping.

I also respond to an email from Jeff who has three years  of safe money saved up with more than 5 years to retirement and I explain the backdoor Roth IRA contributions to Mary.

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.

Rob opens today's show with several stories including one that shows just how expensive real estate in the Bay Area has become. He then relates this story to the oil crisis and explains how understanding supply and demand helps to understand investing. Other topics discussed today include:

• Being cautious of pushy investors and scammy techniques.
• Comparing stocks on Wall Street.
• Having a financial plan, especially when you are married or have children.
• Paying attention to your spending on fundamentals.
• How does the stock market currently resemble "Dad Bod"?

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 conversation I overheard brings up a discussion about dealing with children who are bad with money, especially when it affects your estate plan. I then discuss leaving money in a living trust and naming a trustee. A Bloomberg article about American’s choosing to study abroad leads me to explain how 529 plans can be used outside of the US. Why you should take a trial run at retirement. I respond to Dan’s question about where to keep safe money and provide an interesting alternative to an FDIC. Bad rules of thumb for retirement planning.

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 Rob Black talks about several news stories including Avon planning to cut jobs and move headquarters, Obama blocking oil drilling in Atlantic waters, and Lyft teaming up with General Motors to start a short term rental program. He also talks to us about avoiding a retirement savings crisis as the amount of poor Americans is expected to triple by 2050.

Rob and I discuss which media sources we trust for financial data and talk about quantitative easing. Patrick O’Hare tells us why the turnaround in the market does not mean everything is well in the economy and if slow growth means we are headed for a recession.

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.

Rob Black gets us excited about investing by announcing Under Armour’s deal with Steph Curry and its potential impact on Under Armour shares. I call in for a discussion on properly investing in term life insurance, differences between investing as a couple vs. investing a single person and retitling assets. Rob also discusses:

• Is the surge in oil prices stabilization or a dead cat bounce?
• What is causing new home sales to drop in the west?
• Ubers sexual assaults cases.
• Apple users being targeted in first known Mac ransomware campaign.
• The Donald Trump dilemma for Republican Party finances.
• Retiring into a bear market.

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.

Jack Mohr calls in to talk about China positively driving US markets and the Feds avoiding major fiscal issues resulting in many people failing to invest in the market. We also discuss if Apple is going too far to protect their brand by refusing to handover one phones data to the FBI and the resurgence of US banks. Other topics for today include:

• Should you consider long term care insurance scenarios
• Modifying the definition of fiduciary responsibility
• Net-zero interest environment hurting retirement
• Depreciating “investments” that kill your retirement
• Tax code reform that needs to happen

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.

Rob Black shares several market stories including Home Depot's 4th quarter dividends increase, airline companies raising prices after hitting 5 year lows, Chipotle suffering from menu fatigue and Fitbit’s future after a sharp drop.

I call in to talk about the dangerous trend of companies creating millennial-centric ETF’s that focus on only tech sectors and estate planning tips with millennials in mind.

Patrick O’Hare calls in and explains the markets turnaround from crisis mode to normal in a two week span. He also gives us his opinion about the uncertainty surrounding Janet Yellen, the next direction for housing after 6 years of steady recovery and the possibility of internet stocks hitting a bubble.

Rob then takes call from Jesse who saved diligently for retirement, but didn’t factor in the healthcare costs for Parkinson’s disease which he was diagnosed with 3 years ago.

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 S&P 500 earnings results and which sectors are outperforming. I review asset classes and sectors where many managers are bargain hunting for deals for the next five years. I give my input on real estate prices and cover:

• 6 slimiest tax scams to avoid.
• Should self-employed individuals set up an S corporation?
• Merging finances in a marriage.

I also take a call from Bill with a question on adding additional income to his portfolio with a dividend growth ETF.

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 take a look at what is going on with earnings and some specific emotional issues affecting the market. I explain some basic portfolio assumptions, using your extra money to invest or pay off your mortgage and how earthquake insurance fits into that decision. I also respond to an email from Barry about using options to protect wealth.

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.

Rob Black takes over as host today and calls me up for some commentary about 60% of S&P 500 stocks having a correction. I also offer some planning opportunities to consider in a bear market. Tony Mendes calls in and explains if you should pay points to reduce the loan rate on your mortgage.  He also chats with Patrick O’Hare about the markets exposure to China, if there are any areas of value currently in the market and investing in this environment. Rob also talks about the recent growth in job openings and a Super Bowl ad that is creating alarm.

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.

Rob Black takes over for me today and opens by discussing how millennials will shape future stock markets with their preference to spend money on experiences over material goods. He also gives us about several investing strategy tips that bear repeating:

• Investing and saving early in your life.
• Buying and holding stocks vs. excessive trading.
• Life insurance, disability insurance and long term care insurance.
• High interest credit card debt.
• Paying off your mortgage too early.
• Ignoring financial media.

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 Apple reporting its best profit ever despite dwindling iPhone sales and overall growth. I explain how energy related stocks like oil can make the entire S&P 500 look bad. I then give a quick synopsis of the topics that Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will expand upon at this Thursday’s 10 Pillars of Retirement seminar. Most people don't even know about the 4% withdrawal guideline, let alone the fact that it is in danger. I also tell you what you need to with your CPA about as you prepare for taxes.

Don't forget to register for our 10 Pillars of Retirement seminar on January 28th at the Elks Lodge in Palo Alto. Rob Black, Michelle Lerman and I will explain several issues that will increase your chances at an enjoyable retirement. Tickets are only $5 and begins after work at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, so 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.