Empowering Homeownership: Navigating Mortgages and Market Trends with Tina Bennett
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
Release Date: 02/13/2024
From Nursing to Quantum Healing: A Journey of Compassion and Technology with Saghi Togashi
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
In this episode of EmpowHER, host Michelle Hipskind sits down with Saghi Togashi, a quantum energy and Reiki energy facilitator. Saghi shares her journey from nursing to computer science to holistic healing. After experiencing challenges in the nursing field due to empathy overload, Saghi transitioned to computer science but always harbored a desire to help others. Her path led her to discover a quantum energy device that merged her technological background with her passion for healing. Through intuitive and compassionate work, Saghi assists clients in raising their vibrational energy levels...
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Empowering Homeownership: Navigating Mortgages and Market Trends with Tina Bennett
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
In this episode featuring special guest Tina Bennett from Hallmark Home Mortgage, they delve into the intricacies of mortgage debt, discussing factors like interest rates, refinancing, and the importance of seeking guidance from a mortgage professional. Through an insightful conversation and practical advice, this episode empowers people to make informed decisions about their finances and homeownership. About our guest, Tina Bennett: Tina Bennett is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, currently serving as a Branch Manager and Senior Vice...
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What you Should Know About the Messy Middle of Life Limiting Illnesses
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
We live longer but our capacity is diminishing and in practical care giving it’s not always clear who is making the decisions from day-to-day. As a financial advisor, I work with clients everyday who live in the gray space with their loved ones. This is the messy middle, where caring for those who are perfectly capable one day but then slowly diminishing the next is a confounding effort. I am always encountering professionals who enlighten me to better ways to navigate what I call the scary “C”s, caregiving, confusion, chaos, and capacity. – Michelle Hipskind, CFP® In this...
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Strategies for Protecting Your Family with Medicaid Featuring Lindsay Koler
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
This podcast episode discusses Medicaid planning and how it can be used as an asset protection tool rather than just a last resort. Lindsay Koler, an elder law attorney, explains how Medicaid assessments and proper planning can help couples protect their homes and retirement accounts. She emphasizes getting powers of attorney updated and doing Medicaid planning well in advance of needing long-term care. We look at whether someone needs help with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, taking medication to qualify for long-term care. - Lindsay Koler This week on The...
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Ensuring Your Pets are Cared For After You're Gone
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
In this quick but packed full of information episode, Michelle discusses the importance of including plans for your pets in your estate planning. Many households now have companion animals, so it is crucial to consider what will happen to dogs, cats, or other pets if their owners become unable to care for them or pass away. Michelle recommennds speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and establishing guardians for your pets. She also suggests utilizing local animal rescues, shelters, and foster programs that can provide temporary or permanent care for pets when needed. The...
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Understanding Hidden Nuggets within the SECURE Act
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
We have a quick tactical nugget for you on this latest episode of the EmpowHER podcast. In this episode, Michelle Hipskind focuses on dissecting the changes brought about by the 2019 SECURE Act, with particular emphasis on the elimination of the "stretch IRA," which imposes a 10-year limit for withdrawals for those inheriting IRA accounts. However, the podcast also sheds light on exceptions like qualified charitable distributions for beneficiaries close to 70 and a half years old. "Let's say that you are 65. A parent or an aunt, uncle, someone older than you passes away and leaves you...
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Empowering Young Women in Sports: Life Lessons from Softball with Erin Ehler
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
Meet Erin (Rethlake) Ehler, head coach of the Huntington University Women’s Softball program. Listen in while she and Michelle talk about the challenges facing young women today and how we can empower them to be independent, confident and successful individuals. Erin speaks with experience having played college softball for a Division 1 program and earned the title of Miss Indiana Softball while in high school. Today, Erin coaches young women in the sport and in life drawing parallels to the education and development Michelle provides women with their money. Hear them talk about the...
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Financial Wisdom Across Generations: Lessons Learned and Regrets Avoided with Rickie Kohne and Laura Murray
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
In this episode we have an energetic conversation across two generations. Michelle is joined by mother and daughter Rickie Kohne and Laura Murray as they take a look into their personal experiences and insights on financial management. Laura and Rickie share the valuable lessons they learned from their parents, emphasizing the importance of living within their means and prioritizing savings. Both women stress the need for open communication and trust within relationships, acknowledging the role of financial advisors in providing guidance and peace of mind. They discuss the...
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How Much Do I Need to Retire
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
Michelle Hipskind, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and overseer of the Empower Women's Financial Education Program, discusses the question, "How much do I need to retire?" She emphasizes why there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that it depends on factors such as what the retiree wants their retirement to look like, what they can control, and what they cannot control. Other considerations include replacing cash flow, managing debt, accounting for taxes and healthcare expenses, dealing with inflation, and accounting for discretionary expenses. Michelle recommends working with a financial...
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Unlocking the Mystery of Nonprofit Finances: Your Donations' Impact on Operations Uncovered with Carrie Minnich
EmpowHER by SYM Financial Advisors
Carrie Minnich is a Partner at DWD CPAs & Advisors and is in-charge of the Nonprofit Services Team. She earned both a Bachelors degree in Financial Accounting (Cum laude) and a Master of Accountancy from Manchester College. Carrie has been with the firm since 2004 and has been a Director since 2017. She specializes in audits, reviews and compilations of financial Statements for nonprofit organizations. Michelle and Carrie discuss various aspects of non-profit organizations. They delve into types of financial contributions, distinguishing general operations, specific programs, and significant...
info_outlineIn this episode featuring special guest Tina Bennett from Hallmark Home Mortgage, they delve into the intricacies of mortgage debt, discussing factors like interest rates, refinancing, and the importance of seeking guidance from a mortgage professional. Through an insightful conversation and practical advice, this episode empowers people to make informed decisions about their finances and homeownership.
About our guest, Tina Bennett:
Tina Bennett is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, currently serving as a Branch Manager and Senior Vice President at Hallmark Home Mortgage. With a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of the mortgage industry, Tina's expertise shines through her insightful discussions on topics ranging from interest rates to refinancing strategies. Her dedication to educating and empowering individuals in their home buying journey is evident as she uses her extensive knowledge and expertise to personally structure the best product for her clients.
Summary and highlights from the show:
Mortgage Industry Insights: Tina shares her experiences and insights gained over three decades in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding mortgage options and making informed financial decisions.
Factors Influencing Mortgage Decisions: Discussion on whether to pay off a mortgage, considering individual financial situations, interest rate environments, and potential impact on quality of life.
Historical Perspective on Interest Rates: Tina provides insights into historical interest rate trends, including peaks in the 9% range in the past, compared to the recent record-low rates.
Current Housing Market Dynamics: Exploring the current housing market, including the impact of interest rates on buying decisions, trends among first-time buyers, downsizers, and those seeking to upsize.
Mortgage Options and Strategies: Detailed discussion on mortgage types, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and specialized products like the two-one buydown, with considerations for different financial scenarios.
Understanding Loan Estimates: Importance of comparing mortgage offers using Loan Estimates, which provide a breakdown of rates, fees, and other costs associated with the loan.
Construction Lending and Homebuilding: Insight into construction lending options, allowing homeowners to finance the construction of a new home while staying in their current residence until completion.
Future Outlook and Homeownership Advice: Optimism for the housing market in 2024, along with advice on preparing for homeownership, including consulting with mortgage professionals early to optimize financial readiness and explore potential improvements in credit scores or debt management.
Connect with Tina Bennett:
Email
Website
About SYM Financial and EmpowHER Podcast:
The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars, and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community.
Email Michelle at mhipskind@sym.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.
Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.