KPCSmartMoney

Each week, Karin and Kevin Christ will look at important issues about financial planning. They will use their experience as independent financial advisors to help leave you smarter and more informed about retirement.

Episode 140: Finances for People Getting Married Part 2 02/15/2024

Episode 140: Finances for People Getting Married Part 2 You are getting married and your life is going to change in many ways. An often-overlooked topic however is finances, yet it is one of the top reasons for marital stress. Here are our thoughts on what to discuss and plan for when you are getting married. Key Takeaways: Wedding budgets & expectations The wedding is just the first day of the rest of your life Common or Community property state Taxes in Marriage /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29771893

Episode 139: Finances for People Getting Married Part 1 02/08/2024

Episode 139: Finances for People Getting Married Part 1 You are getting married and your life is going to change in many ways. An often-overlooked topic however is finances, yet it is one of the top reasons for marital stress. Here are our thoughts on what to discuss and plan for when you are getting married. Key Takeaways: Do you know your partner's income, debt, spending habits and credit score? Do you plan on merging finances or keeping them separate? What will your new household budget be? What are your attitudes towards saving and spending? /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29771868

Episode 138: Creating Dividend Income Part 2 02/02/2024

Episode 138: Creating Dividend Income Part 2 Generating income from dividends isn't just for retired people. It is a great strategy to have in your investment portfolio. But what companies should you invest in and how to you set up a diversified dividend portfolio? We will answer these questions as well as talk about the taxation of dividends versus interest on this week's show. Key Takeaways: Reinvest the dividends or take as income High Yield versus growth Be prepared for Volatility Be diversified /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29771853

Episode 137: Creating Dividend Income - Part 1 01/25/2024

Episode 137: Creating Dividend Income - Part 1 Generating income from dividends isn't just for retired people. It is a great strategy to have in your investment portfolio. But what companies should you invest in and how to you set up a diversified dividend portfolio? We will answer these questions as well as talk about the taxation of dividends versus interest on this week's show. Takeaways: What are dividends? How to Build a dividend paying portfolio What types of dividend paying stock to look for /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29596523

Episode 136: Financial Planning Tips for New Parents - Part 2 01/18/2024

Episode 136: Financial Planning Tips for New Parents - Part 2 In this 2 part series we talk about some of the important financial decisions when becoming new parents. There is so much that will change as you prepare and learn about parenthood and the financial aspects can be ignored or dropped. Listen in today to find out what financial steps are important no this new journey in your life. Takeaways: Tax Breaks for Parents Update Tax Withholdings Start saving for College Childcare Find a Financial Planner or Take Some Classes /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29427308

Episode 135: Financial Planning Tips for New Parents - Part 1 01/11/2024

Episode 135: Financial Planning Tips for New Parents - Part 1 In this 2 part series we talk about some of the important financial decisions when becoming new parents. There is so much that will change as you prepare and learn about parenthood and the financial aspects can be ignored or dropped. Listen in today to find out what financial steps are important no this new journey in your life. Takeaways: Employer and State options for income while on maternity leave Budget and Spending Plan Life & Disability Insurance Emergency and Retirement Savings Create or Update Your Will /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29427273

Episode 134: Is $1Million Enough to Retire 01/04/2024

Episode 134: Is $1Million Enough to Retire Have you heard the saying "If you have a million dollars saved in retirement, and just withdraw 4% you can retire"? Today we talk about how that doesn't always work. The key to retirement is spending. And you want to have enough to cover not just your retirement budget but also your fun stuff, health care, taxes, lifestyle, and downturns in the stock market. So, what do you really need? Call us for a complimentary Retirement Blueprint. Key Points: What is your spending? Do you have money set aside for fun and lifestyle? Do you have tax free income in retirement? What about increasing health care costs as you get older? /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/29339908

Episode 133: Avoid Christmas Overspending 11/16/2023

Episode 133: Avoid Christmas Overspending Have you ever overspent at Christmas and had big credit card bills in January? That can take some of the fun out of gift giving at Christmas and can hurt your financial plans. Here are some ideas to keep Christmas spending down. Key takeaways: Secret Santa - one gift per adult Kids don't need lots of expensive toys Love is about your time & affection, not gifts Write "You are Special because" letters /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/28573528

Episode 132: Our Christmas Traditions 11/09/2023

Episode 132: Our Christmas Traditions We all have family Christmas Traditions, and they change over time and as we and our children build traditions of their own. This week we share some of our family traditions. Enjoy! Key takeaways: Our Christmas Meals - then and now Family Gift Giving Christmas decorations Family Gatherings /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/28573503

Episode 131: What About Gold and Silver? 09/14/2023

Episode 131: What About Gold and Silver? As the economy is experiencing inflation and recession and the stock market is volatile, people are asking about whether adding gold and silver to their investments is a good idea. You need to watch out for certain things when buying gold and silver. And determining whether it is a good idea for you. Key Takeaways: Do you due diligence on who is selling gold/silver products Watch out for fear tactics and high commissions Wealth protection Pre 1933 coins - what are they and why are they unique /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/27970020

Episode 130: Inflation Tips 09/07/2023

Episode 130: Inflation Tips Many people are wondering what can I do financially to survive the current inflation. Today we are going to talk about causes of inflation and how to protect your savings. This is an important conversation that effects all of us. Key Takeaways: What causes inflation Demand pull, cost push and money supply Reduce or delay discretionary & large purchases Some tips for making additional money /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/27970011

Episode 129: Money Wisdom for Kids 07/06/2023

Episode 129: Money Wisdom for Kids Are you talking about money with your children or grandchildren? Unfortunately, many parents are not talking about money with their children, and just leaving it up to them to figure out how to be financially responsible adults someday. Today we talk about 7 ways to start a money conversation so you can share your wisdom on what and what not to do. Key takeaways: Saving money & delaying purchases What to do if someone asks to borrow money What would you tell your younger self if you could One thing you bought that you regret Financial Basics - Use AE Creative "Five Retirement Planning Missteps" /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/27333957

Episode 128: Clean Your Financial House 06/01/2023

Episode 128: Clean Your Financial House Just like you might spring clean your home, you can clean your financial house. This week we will give you tips on how to reduce your financial clutter. Just like spring cleaning, these are good habits to develop on a regular basis. Key takeaways: Purge the Paper and Get Digital Backup Consolidate Accounts Automate Savings Check your Financial Goals Will You Have Enough Income in Retirement? /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26951970

Episode 127: How to Weather a Recession 05/25/2023

Episode 127: How to Weather a Recession Are you worried about a major recession? Worrying won't help, and isn't good for you. The economy is cyclical and will experience times of recession. Listen this week to find out how to avoid anxiety. Key takeaways: Don't Buy into the Headlines Resist Impulsive Actions Make Time to Relax Expand Your Outlook Investing Basics - Use AE Creative "Understanding Market Corrections (Dually licensed version) 8 pages /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26951946

Episode 126: Happiness in Retirement Part 2 05/04/2023

Episode 126: Happiness in Retirement Part 2 In this two-part series we will give some ideas on how to be happy in retirement, assuming you have already handled the financial aspects. What are you going to do with the extra 2,000 hours per year you will have? Often people don't plan for what they will do with this new found time but it is important to your well being. Here are some ideas: Key Takeaways: Develop a grateful spirit Learn something new Find new adventures Whitepapers: Your Retirement Income Planning Checklist (Dually licensed version) 24 pages /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26639256

Episode 125: Happiness in Retirement Part 1 04/27/2023

Episode 125: Happiness in Retirement Part 1 In this two-part series we will give some ideas on how to be happy in retirement, assuming you have already handled the financial aspects. What are you going to do with the extra 2,000 hours per year you will have? Often people don't plan for what they will do with this new found time but it is important to your well being. Here are some ideas: Key Takeaways: To enjoy wealth you need good health Companionship is vital You need a sense of purpose Whitepapers: Your Retirement Income Planning Checklist (Dually licensed version) 24 pages /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26639226

Episode 124: Summer Fun for Kids 04/06/2023

Episode 124: Summer Fun for Kids Kids and Grandkids will be out of school for the summer soon. On this podcast we will talk about the fun things we did as children, and offer some ideas to make summer break fun. And create lasting memories for the school aged children in your life. Key takeaways: Outdoor Ideas Indoor Ideas Educational Ideas Acts of Kindness /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26333055

Episode 123: Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea? 03/30/2023

Episode 123: Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea? Pets are an important part of many families. Our "furry babies" can get injured and sick, and the vet costs can be very expensive. So, should you buy Pet Insurance? Key takeaways: Injuries to dogs or cats can cost $1,000s 84% of pet insurance issued by 4 carriers Plan can have deductibles & reimbursement percentages Other ways to save on Pet Care /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26333028

Episode 122: Final Expense Planning 03/23/2023

Episode 122: Final Expense Planning Do you know the difference between final expense life insurance and pre planned funeral packages? The cost of funerals increases between 5-7% per year. Since you already know that you will need a funeral at some time in the your life, why not plan ahead and save your loved ones the difficult decisions and financial burdens of your funeral? Key takeaways: Final Expense life insurance is a small death benefit meant to pay for your funeral Final Expense plans still require minimal underwriting, and you will pay the premiums for life Preplanned funeral packages lock in pricing today's costs All aspects of your funeral are already planned and paid for /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26166408

Episode 121: Why Go on Short-Term Missions - Ecuador 03/16/2023

Episode 121: Why Go on Short-Term Missions - Ecuador On the next 2 weeks of podcasts, we will share our experiences with short term missions. We hope you enjoy our insights on the people, their living conditions, and how to make a positive impact in their lives. This week we will talk about Ecuador. Key takeaways: What we enjoy about Ecuadorians Geographical & Economic highlights of Quito Medical Tents bring blood pressure & sugar readings, and eyeglasses How you can bring hope to remote villages /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26166393

Episode 120: Why Go on Short-Term Missions - Cuba 03/09/2023

Episode 120: Why Go on Short-Term Missions - Cuba On the next 2 weeks of podcasts, we will share our experiences with short term missions. We hope you enjoy our insights on the people, their living conditions, and how to make a positive impact in their lives. This week we will talk about Cuba. Key takeaways: What does socialism really look like Poverty in Cuba vs poverty in the US Money manipulation in Cuba Many Cubans have never seen an American /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/26166372

Episode 119: Best Safe Interest Earning Options 01/26/2023

Episode 119: Best Safe Interest Earning Options Many people are accumulating cash out of concern for stock market losses. We see many people that are frustrated though as safe alternatives for their cash often are not earning enough to keep up with inflation. Today we talk about safe and liquid options that are earning more than brick and mortar banks are paying. Key takeaways: Online High Yield Savings accounts How to find one that is right for you I-Bonds - how they work and what they are paying /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25650123

Episode 118: 2022 Market Review 01/19/2023

Episode 118: 2022 Market Review 2022 was a unique year for the stock market as many negative factors came together at the same time. The US hasn't seen this combination before: stocks and bonds both down, inflation, and some say a recession. So do traditional 60/40 investment plans work anymore? Listen to this week's podcast to see why your investment strategies need to change. Key takeaways: The impact of rising interest, inflation and recession in the same year Review of key metrics for 2022 3rd worst year in stock market history for 60/40 plans /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25650099

Episode 117: Simple Positive Resolutions 01/12/2023

Episode 117: Simple Positive Resolutions Ever make "big" New Year's resolutions that were onerous, difficult, and didn't last long? We all have. So instead, try some of these simple resolutions that are small steps to big change. Key Takeaways: Wake up every morning with a simple positive statement Recognize happy moments when you are in them Is this current issue long term? If not, let it go Don't procrastinate, get things done as they come up /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25492410

Episode 116: New Year Habits - Part 2 01/05/2023

Episode 116: New Year Habits - Part 2 We have all tried New Year's Resolutions that didn't last long. Instead of resolutions, try adding simple new habits. We hope you can take one, two, or just a few of these simple habits and make them a part of your New Year. Our hope for you is that this coming year is better than this past year. Key takeaways: Get healthy, good breakfast, drink more water, sleep 7-8 hours a night Be proud of yourself, reflects on your good qualities and your strengths Plan! Your next day's goals & outfit, monthly goals, and daily to do's Think in solutions, not problems /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25383747

Episode 115: New Year Habits - Part 1 12/29/2022

Episode 115: New Year Habits - Part 1 We have all tried New Year's Resolutions that didn't last long. Instead of resolutions, try adding simple new habits. We hope you can take one, two, or just a few of these simple habits and make them a part of your New Year. Our hope for you is that this coming year is better than this past year. Key takeaways: Count your blessings, and let those you love know what you think of them Journals, bucket lists, and to do lists Help others, be kind, stop judging others /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25383723

Episode 114: New Grandparent Tips 12/22/2022

Episode 114: New Grandparent Tips What an exciting time becoming a new Grandparent. This is new territory that needs to be navigated with wisdom and grace. Times have changed, and the baby has parents who may have different ideas than you do. Listen this week for our tips for new Grandparents. Key takeaways: Keep your advice to yourself Listen to the parents Help when you can, and that includes the parents Follow the parent's rules /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25281186

Episode 113: Get out of Debt - Part 3 12/15/2022

Episode 113: Get out of Debt - Part 3 Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives. Others live in perpetual debt. It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless. This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Today we talk about creative ways to cut down on expenses. Key takeaways: Make a budget Extra income with side gig, sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace, stop investing Have one credit card and pay it off every month Give more /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25281168

Episode 112: Get Out of Debt - Part 2 12/08/2022

Episode 112: Get Out of Debt - Part 2 Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives. Others live in perpetual debt. It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless. This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Today we talk about creative ways to cut down on expenses. Key takeaways: Online coupons and consignment shopping are great ways to buy what you need at a discount FOOD is the hardest budget item to control Do you need expensive hobbies or memberships? Get creative with free entertainment /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25098555

Episode 111: Get Out of Debt - Part 1 12/01/2022

Episode 111: Get Out of Debt - Part 1 Most people have found themselves dealing with too much debt as some time in their lives. Others live in perpetual debt. It isn't a good feeling when those debt payments seem endless. This three-part series will give you some ideas on how to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. Key takeaways: Start an emergency fund so that emergencies don't catch you by surprise List out your debts and pay off the smallest one first while paying the minimums on other debt Once you pay off the smallest debt, take that payment and apply it to the next debt Determine how much you can pay towards debt per month and stick with it /episode/index/show/kpcsmartmoney/id/25098330

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