Smart Strategies for Funding Your Child’s College Education with a 529 Plan, Ep #247
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Release Date: 09/09/2025
Smart Strategies for Funding Your Child’s College Education with a 529 Plan, Ep #247
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Planning for your child’s college education can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with skyrocketing tuition costs and countless savings options. This week on the show, we’re discussing the question of exactly how much you should save in a 529 college savings plan. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Decide your college funding goal before saving in a 529 account. [02:06] An overview of college costs. {02:35] Advantages of the 529 Plan. [03:54] Weighing college savings vs. retirement savings. [05:31] What happens if I save too much? [07:35] Expanded legislation as part of the...
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Should You Add Private Equity, Real Estate, or Bitcoin to Your 401k? Ep #246
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Recently, an executive order has set the stage for 401 (k) providers to potentially start offering investments like private equity, private real estate, digital assets (think bitcoin), commodities, and more—options typically reserved for pension funds and institutional investors. But what does this really mean for everyday savers? We break down the differences between traditional 401k offerings and these new alternatives, discuss the risks and potential rewards, and share questions you should ask yourself before making any changes to your investment lineup. Outline of This Episode [00:00]...
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Which Roth Account Is the Right Scoop for You? Ep #245
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Are you taking advantage of all your Roth opportunities? We break down the differences between the Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or the Mego Backdoor Roth 401(k). by comparing your choices with another favorite summer treat - ice cream. We break down the basics, benefits, and ideal life stages for each account type—whether you’re just scooping your first vanilla cone with a Roth IRA, adding some flavor with a Roth 401(k), or going all-out Neapolitan with the Mega Backdoor Roth. We also share smart tips on tax brackets, income planning, and how to maximize your options for a sweeter financial...
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Making Sense of 2025’s Market Surprises, Ep #244
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
The second quarter of 2025 was anything but dull in the financial world. But despite the turbulence, both US and international stocks finished the first half of the year up over 10%. Over the last 12 months, markets have performed robustly, returning 14-19%. Bonds have also held their own, with 6% returns over the last year. Investors have endured a roller coaster ride, especially after the dramatic market drop following tariff announcements and the subsequent quick recovery. Outline of This Episode [00:00] More about market volatility and recovery in 2025. [03:40] Tariff uncertainty...
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Breaking Down the Big Beautiful Bill with Grayson Blazek, Ep #243
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Tax season may feel far off, but with sweeping legislative changes just passed, proactive financial planning starts now. In this episode, we’re sharing our accessible, in-depth breakdown of the new Big Beautiful Bill, highlighting ten key tax provisions that every taxpayer should understand. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Summarizing the latest major legislation in 10 key tax provisions. [04:59] Be mindful of income limits for a taxpayer deduction. [08:05] Consider collating deductions into a single year to maximize tax benefits due to the temporary higher SALT limit. [11:44] Starting in...
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The Opportunity Cost of Holding Too Much Cash, Ep #242
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
When is enough, enough? Many investors have recently found solace in growing their cash reserves, whether in their checking accounts, savings accounts, or certificates of deposit (CDs). With attractive yields and recent market turbulence still fresh in mind, it’s easy to assume that loading up on cash is a safe strategy. But there’s a hidden cost to keeping more money than you need. Not only does excessive cash limit your growth potential, but it can erode your long-term wealth, all because of a mix of emotional biases, historical events, and overlooked risks. Outline of This Episode ...
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Creating a Pipeline of Growth and Purpose to Create a Better Client Experience, Ep #241
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
At Financial Symmetry, our internship program has become a core pillar of our growth, innovation, and client experience. Over time, our program grew from simply filling resource gaps to a foundational development engine, helping to shape the services Financial Symmetry offers and the team culture itself. What has emerged from these iterations is the recognition that our best chance of success comes from integrating interns directly into the firm’s core wealth management processes. This hands-on approach creates a feedback loop where interns don’t just complete busywork; they contribute...
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When Should You Claim Social Security? 3 Decisions to Consider, Ep #240
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Claiming Social Security as soon as you become eligible at age 62 is a common choice for Americans. While understandable, this decision can have significant, and often underappreciated, long-term consequences. For many, the urge to claim early may stem from financial necessity, lack of other income sources, or simply a desire to “get what you’ve paid for.” However, claiming early can reduce your benefit by as much as 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age (typically around 67). If you are in the fortunate position of having other income sources, such as a pension, 401(k),...
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Navigating Market Volatility with Mike Eklund, Ep #239
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Chad and Mike break down the major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter, revealing why diversification works unexpectedly. They chat through the impact of recent tariff news, what those headlines might mean for the economy and your portfolio, and share evidence-based strategies for taking action (or not!) when markets get rocky. Outline of This Episode [0:00] Major moves in US and international markets from the past quarter [4:22] The benefits of diversified portfolios [9:15] Trade deficit and tariffs explained [9:54] Tariffs impact product prices, and consumer...
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Your Market Volatility Survival Playbook, Ep #238
Financial Symmetry: Balancing Today with Retirement
Market volatility is never comfortable, but with the right mindset and a thoughtful plan, you can face downturns not as a victim, but as an opportunist. On this episode of the Financial Symmetry Show, we’re sharing our advice on managing your finances amid turbulent markets and giving you a helpful checklist to guide your decision-making when headlines make your stomach flip. Outline of This Episode [0:00] We discuss the importance of planning, reviewing its steps, and controlling expectations during unforeseen events. [4:29] Evaluate income, expenses, job security, income sources, and...
info_outlinePlanning for your child’s college education can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with skyrocketing tuition costs and countless savings options. This week on the show, we’re discussing the question of exactly how much you should save in a 529 college savings plan.
Outline of This Episode
- [00:00] Decide your college funding goal before saving in a 529 account.
- [02:06] An overview of college costs.
- {02:35] Advantages of the 529 Plan.
- [03:54] Weighing college savings vs. retirement savings.
- [05:31] What happens if I save too much?
- [07:35] Expanded legislation as part of the OBBB.
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