Retirement Article
How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Have you been asking yourself, "How much do I need to retire?" a lot lately? A financial plan is critical to getting an honest answer to that.
Education
Below you’ll find articles, downloadable guides, videos, and more all created to help you get to and through retirement.
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Investments Article
5 Factors More Important Than Rate of Return
When it comes to building your retirement plan, a lot of people think your rate of return is the No. 1 thing to keep in mind. While it is important, your investments aren’t the main factor when it comes to your plan. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will review five factors that are more important than your rate of return on this episode of America's Wealth Management Show.
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Retirement Plan Checklist
This checklist was created to give you a timeline of items that should be done prior to and during retirement.
PDF Document
Social Security Decisions Guide
Regardless if Social Security will or will not be your primary source of income in retirement, if you take your Social Security benefits at face value you could be leaving money on the table.
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Tax Reduction Strategies
Here’s a list of a few tax strategies to consider that could improve your overall tax structure during your retirement years and for your beneficiaries inheriting your estate.
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Retirement Article
The Great Recession’s History Remains Relevant
After reviewing how the Dot-Com Bubble's history remains relevant earlier this year, Shane Barber looks at how the Great Recession's history also remains relevant.
Retirement Article
Special Guest: Steven Jarvis, CPA
Barber Financial Group is excited about our new strategic partnership with Retirement Tax Services. RTS’s Steven Jarvis, CPA joins Dean Barber and Bud Kasper on America's Wealth Management Show to discuss that partnership and the importance of CPAs and financial advisors collaborating in the best interests of the client.
Retirement Article
How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Have you been asking yourself, "How much do I need to retire?" a lot lately? A financial plan is critical to getting an honest answer to that.
Investments Article
5 Factors More Important Than Rate of Return
When it comes to building your retirement plan, a lot of people think your rate of return is the No. 1 thing to keep in mind. While it is important, your investments aren’t the main factor when it comes to your plan. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper will review five factors that are more important than your rate of return on this episode of America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
The Definition of a Recession
We now have a negative GDP for two consecutive quarters, which is the definition of a recession. Dean Barber reviews that and more in July's Monthly Economic Update.
Investments Article
6 Reasons Roth Conversions Could Work for You
If you read our blog post from earlier this month titled, 8 Ways to Prepare for a Recession, you might remember that Roth conversions were No. 1 on the list. While Roth conversions aren’t for everyone, there are quite a few reasons why they could be right for you.
Investments Article
4 Retirement Risks That Are Out of Your Control
A huge factor of financial planning is controlling what you can control. It’s pivotal to understand that as you’re determining if you have enough money to get to and through retirement. The fear of outliving your money is a retirement risk that’s big concern for a lot of people. However, with a financial plan, it’s a controllable retirement risk. In this episode of America's Wealth Management Show, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss four retirement risks that you can plan for but are out of your control.
Retirement Article
Your Retirement Timeline
Along with 30 checklist items to gauge your retirement readiness, our Retirement Plan Checklist include an age-based timeline to help you be aware of certain things while planning for retirement. Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve cover some of the key aspects of that retirement timeline on this week's edition of America's Wealth Management Show.
Taxes Article
Taxes on Inherited Property
Inheritance situations can be very complicated, especially if they aren't quickly addressed. Today, we discuss taxes on inherited property.
Retirement Article
8 Ways to Prepare for a Recession
It’s been nearly a month since we officially entered a bear market. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the markets in recent months, that wasn’t much of a surprise. Now, the question is if (or more realistically when) we’ll go into a recession. While we can’t give a straight answer to that, we’ve compiled a list of eight things to do when markets decline that can hopefully be helpful to you during these uncertain economic times.
Investments Article
Are We in a Recession?
Are we in a recession? Dean Barber raises that question and reviews the latest on interest rates and bonds in June's Monthly Economic Update.
Retirement Article
Achieving Financial Freedom
Happy Fourth of July to all the pre-retirees and retirees out there! Along with celebrating America’s independence this weekend, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper hope you take a moment to assess where you stand in the journey to achieving financial freedom. Dean and Bud discuss what financial freedom is and how you know you’ve achieved it in this Fourth of July weekend edition of America's Wealth Management Show.
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Mean Reversions
Shane Barber explores several methods of measuring how overvalued the markets became, how overvalued they remain, and how far they might fall if we are actually in the middle of a mean reversion event.
Retirement Article
Rising Interest Rates and Your Retirement
The Fed raised interest rates by the most in nearly three decades, a 0.75% rate hike, and is set to do it again in July. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper examine how rising interest rates can impact your retirement.
Investments Article
Bear Market Is Here, Is There More to Come?
The S&P 500 entered bear market territory, preceded by the NASDAQ index entering bear market territory a few weeks back. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss navigating the current bear market.
Investments Article
2022 Halftime Report
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the year so far and what they think about the balance of 2022 in our 2022 Halftime Report.
Retirement Article
Mortgage Applications Hit 22-Year Low
Shane Barber reflects on mortgage applications hitting a 22-year low and where the housing market could go from here.
Investments Article
Finding Financial Clarity in Uncertain Times
With all the issues we’re facing domestically and globally that are impacting the economy, it’s pivotal to find financial clarity during these uncertain times. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve talk about the importance of having a financial plan to navigate that uncertainty and help people reach their goals in retirement.
Retirement Article
How Our Financial Planning Tool Works
So, you’re curious how our financial planning tool works? That’s great! Below, we’ll go through the steps of creating your account and inputting the necessary information to get you started. The tool then analyzes your plan and shows your plan’s probability of success.
Retirement Article
5 Volunteer Opportunities in Kansas City
Are you looking for ways to stay active this summer in Kansas City and also beat the heat? Here are five volunteer opportunities in the KC area.
Retirement Article
Kansas City Hosts Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ Workshop
Being charter members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ has helped connect Dean Barber and Bud Kasper with other advisors all over the country. In the coming weeks, you will hear much more from Dean and Bud on their main takeaways from Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ latest workshop, which was hosted in Kansas City. For this article, we caught up with a few other members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisory Group℠ to share what they've learned over the years about wide range of topics related to IRAs.
Retirement Article
Celebrating Father’s Day and Fluid Financial Plans
As we look forward to celebrating Father's Day, our content manager, Chris Duderstadt, remembers his late father and shares the importance of incorporating family time into your fluid financial plan.
Investments Article
Bear Market Rallies
Dean Barber assesses the possibility of upcoming bear market rallies and reviews the bear market rallies of the Dot-Com Bubble and Great Recession.
Investments Article
A Recent History of Bear Markets
Clarity, confidence, and control within your financial plan is of the utmost importance right now amid these turbulent times in the markets so you can accomplishment your goals in retirement. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review a recent history of bear markets and how you can stress test your financial plan through periods like the Dot-Com Bubble and Great Recession.
Investments Article
Keeping an Eye on I-Bonds
Inflation is an i-word that anyone and everyone is tired of hearing. Then, there’s interest rates that are rising that are also making people feel uncomfortable. But there is another i-word that Barber Financial Group clients have been coming to us with questions about that we want to address. We’re talking about I-Bonds.
Retirement Article
The Impact of SECURE Act 2.0
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper joined hundreds of other financial advisors and CPAs at Kansas City's Crown Center two weeks ago for Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM workshop, where they spent a lot of time reviewing the impact of SECURE Act 2.0. Dean and Bud share some of the biggest takeaways of the SECURE Act's proposed regulations and how they could impact you.
Investments Article
How Are Bond Mutual Funds Impacted by Interest Rates and Bond Prices?
The relationship between bond prices and interest rates has been a hot topic of discussion, but how does it apply to bond mutual funds? We examine that and how duration is such a big factor in answering that question.
Investments Article
529 Plans and Planning for Your Grandchildren’s Futures
There are few prouder moments for grandparents than their grandchildren's graduation. You can help plan their future by building them a 529 plan.
Investments Article
When a Housing Market Shortage Becomes a Surplus
Shane Barber discusses what is going on in the housing market and how a housing shortage could become a housing surplus.
Investments Article
Inflation Rates and the Fed
Following a 50 basis point hike of the Fed funds rate last week, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the Federal Reserve's challenge of combating high inflation rates and the necessary factors to achieve a soft landing.
Investments Article
A Historic Half-Point Hike of the Fed Funds Rate
FOMC Chairman Jerome Powell announced on a 50 basis point increase of the Fed funds rate on Wednesday in hopes of slowing down rampant inflation. The half-point hike was the biggest hike from the FOMC since May 2000.
Investments Article
Interest Rates and Bond Prices
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper take a deep dive into the relationship between interest rates and bond prices and provide some education on bond alternatives.
Investments Article
Mortgage Rates and Interest Rates on the Rise
April showers tend to bring spring May flowers, but in the financial world, the forecast is filled with more market volatility. Dean Barber looks at the latest developments with interest rates, the bond and stock markets, and 30-year mortgage rates.
Investments Article
Stress Testing Your Financial Plan
The saying goes that history never repeats itself, but it often rhymes has been very relevant lately from a financial planning perspective. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of stress testing your financial plan to see how it would perform in similar periods to what we’re currently experiencing.
Retirement Article
Retiree Feature: Rodney and Lindra Woodard
It’s a consensus among our Barber Financial Group team that the relationships that we’ve built with retirees and pre-retirees are core to our firm’s existence. In March, we started to highlight those relationships and how they’re centered around providing financial education. We hope you enjoyed our first retiree feature with Mike and Carol Heiting. Now, we’re excited to share how Rodney and Lindra Woodard are living their one best financial life.
Retirement Article
Today’s Global Economic Outlook
One thing that Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are certain of is that there is a lot of domestic and geopolitical uncertainty to go around. Dean and Bud sort through some of that uncertainty to give their thoughts on today’s global economic outlook.
Investments Article
Geopolitical Uncertainty Creates Chaos … And Opportunities
Shane Barber discusses the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine, the potential conflict between China/Taiwan, what commodities are being impacted, and the economic opportunities to be aware of.
Investments Article
What Is Going On in the Bond Market?
For the first time since late 2019, the two-year treasury is yielding higher than the 10-year treasury. This is called an inverted yield curve. Since the late '70s Every single time we've seen an inverted yield curve, It has led to a recession. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss what is going on in the bond market and what the inverted yield curve means to you.
Taxes Article
5 Tax Planning Examples
We talk about tax planning often here at Barber Financial Group. Why? Because we believe it can have a significant impact on your financial future. With that, today we’re going to dive into some simple, yet effective, tax planning examples. We’ll use a sample couple named Sam and Samantha Sample as our stand-ins for these cases. We want to provide you with a better understanding of the impact tax planning can have on a retirement plan as Sam and Samantha encounter these example scenarios.
Investments Article
A Recent History of Inverted Yield Curves
Dean Barber discusses the inverted yield curve, the likelihood of a recession, market volatility, and what to do moving forward.
Investments Article
The True Meaning of Tax Planning
Tax filing has been top of mind lately with the April 18 deadline fast approaching. While the tax compliance window is closing for this year, it’s important to remember that the tax planning window is always open. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss the true meaning of tax planning and how to best mitigate taxes over your lifetime.
Retirement Article
Reviewing the Latest SECURE Act Proposed Regulations
Amid all that has been going on in the financial world this year, don't overlook the IRS's latest proposed regulations on the SECURE Act.
Investments Article
The Impact of Rising Interest Rates
It's been just over a week since Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced a 0.25% hike of the Fed funds rate, and that six more increases have been penciled in for the remainder of 2022. The Federal Reserve's goal with these moves is to slow down inflation, but what can we expect the impact to be from rising interest rates? Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve discuss the importance of making necessary adjustments to your portfolio in a rising interest rate environment.
Investments Article
The Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policies
LSA Portfolios President Brad Kasper reminds us of the Federal Reserve's Monetary Policies as the Fed begins to raise interest rates.
Retirement Article
Retiree Feature: Mike & Carol Heiting
The relationships that we have with retirees and pre-retirees are very special to all of us at Barber Financial Group. Along with providing financial education and advice to retirees, we’ve decided to start sharing some of their personal stories about how financial planning has helped them live their one best financial lives. Please enjoy our first retiree feature with Mike and Carol Heiting.
Investments Article
Dot-Com Bubble History Remains Relevant
Shane Barber looks back at the bursting of the Dot-Com Bubble in March 2000 and compares and contrasts it with our current market conditions.
Insurance Article
How to Mitigate Inflation on Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs and inflation are uncomfortable to talk about, yet they are important and oftentimes related subjects. Here are a few solutions of how to mitigate inflation on healthcare costs.
Investments Article
From Quantitative Easing to Quantitative Tightening
Bud Kasper explains the Federal Reserve's shift from quantitative easing to quantitative tightening ahead of the Fed's March 16 meeting.
Investments Article
Economic Impact of March Market Madness
March means it’s time for March Madness, but there’s a different March Madness that Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are talking about that has nothing to do with college basketball. Dean and Bud break down the economic impact we’re seeing from the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the likelihood of rising interest rates, and other contributors to this March Market Madness.
Investments Article
Staying Calm Amid Economic Uncertainty
Everyone has their opinions about the Federal Reserve’s plan of action with interest rates and the developing situation between Russia and Ukraine. Regardless of your opinions, Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve explain why it’s critical to keep your emotions in check and make sound financial decisions during these times of economic uncertainty.
Investments Article
Managing Risk in the Markets
Between the Federal Reserve’s decision on rising interest rates and the situation with Russia and Ukraine, there are a lot of unknowns right now. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of controlling what you can control by managing market risk to alleviate the angst of the unknowns.
Insurance Article
Health Insurance Options for Retirees Under 65
When people younger than 65 are pondering if they have the means to retire early, there's usually one obstacle that's bigger than the rest. That's health insurance coverage. It's no doubt a valid concern. So, we want to review some health insurance options for retirees under 65 to help give you some clarity with your chances of retiring early.
Investments Article
When Will the Fed Say, “Take a Hike?”
It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the Fed says to, “Take a hike?” Interest rate hikes are likely on the horizon. Bud Kasper and Logan DeGraeve look at what the impact could be from any of the Fed’s rate hikes and how big they could be.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Activities for Retirees This Spring in KC
Following the snowstorm that just hit the Kansas City area, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibility of some nice spring weather being right around the corner. Here are five fun activities for retirees to do in Kansas City this spring.
Investments Article
What Is Going on with Interest Rates?
Shane Barber discusses what all is going on with interest rates and how impending rate hikes could impact the markets.
Investments Article
10 Ways to Fight Inflation in Retirement
In recent months, we’ve all felt inflation’s impact at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and so many other places. There’s no question that inflation has made its presence known, especially among retirees. It’s important to us that you to continue to live your one best financial life despite these inflationary issues, so we’ve compiled a list of ways to fight inflation.
Retirement Article
Setting Retirement Savings Goals
We all have our own special goals that we’d like to achieve in retirement, but some of them are much easier to accomplish than others. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss the importance of setting retirement savings goals sooner rather than later to attain clarity, confidence, and control in your retirement.
Investments Article
Navigating the Latest Market Fluctuations
The Federal Reserve is walking an absolute tight rope. Markets are going crazy. We’ve seen one of the most volatile months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bud Kasper, Matt Kasper, and Jason Newcomer join Dean Barber discuss the latest on the wild market fluctuations and what you need to know moving forward.
Investments Article
Market Volatility: Short-Term or Here to Stay?
Market volatility is making its presence known as we begin 2022. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper break down whether we can expect it to be short-term or if we need to buckle up for the long haul.
Retirement Article
Retirement Savings by Age
Wanting to know how much you should have in retirement savings by age is a simple question to ask, but there are several questions that need to be asked before that to help get your unique answer. We'll take you through some of those questions and provide a hypothetical scenario of what retirement savings by age journey can look like.
Retirement Article
Understanding US Inflation
From prices at the grocery store to the cost of filling up your gas tank, we have all seen the impacts of inflation in recent months. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper give their thoughts on the current inflationary pressures and what US inflation could look like going forward.
Retirement Article
Celebrating 25 Years of Barber Financial Group
Dean Barber reflects on founding and serving as the CEO of Barber Financial Group as the firm celebrates its 25th anniversary this month.
Estate Planning Article
What Is the Guided Retirement System?
You’ve probably heard Dean Barber and Bud Kasper mention the Guided Retirement System several times on America’s Wealth Management. Here is their step-by-step breakdown of the Guided Retirement System to ensure people understand what it is all about.
Investments Article
Inflation and Supply Chain Issues Are Intertwined
Inflation continues to run rampant as we begin 2022. Shane Barber shares how the ongoing supply chain issues are the root of inflation.
Retirement Article
7 Ways to Build the Best Retirement Plan
No one retirement plan is exactly the same, nor should it be. While your friends and family might have retirement plans that work well for them, that doesn’t mean they'll work for you.
At Barber Financial Group, we understand the importance of building the best retirement plan for YOU. Here are seven ways in which you can build your best retirement plan.
Investments Article
5 Retirement Planning Tasks for a Better 2022
After coming off a strong year of market returns in 2021, let's look at five retirement planning tasks that can help make for an even better year in 2022.
Investments Article
Good Market Performances to Begin 2022
We had the Delta variant, the Omicron variant, and all kinds of crazy things happening in 2021. Nevertheless, Dean Barber is excited to review a solid year in the markets for 2021 and highlight how 2022 is already offering good market performances.
Retirement Article
Reviewing Your Retirement Checklist for 2022
As we begin 2022, we want to review your retirement checklist. While we want to put you in a successful financial position for the new year, we’re focused primarily on helping you live your one best financial life throughout your retirement. Our Retirement Plan Checklist can help you do exactly that.
Investments Article
Portfolio Diversification: The Key to a Happy New Year
As you make your New Year’s financial resolutions, remember that risk will always be guaranteed within the markets. However, proper portfolio diversification can go a long way toward reducing that risk. Barber Financial Group CEO and Founder Dean Barber and Director of Financial Planning Jason Newcomer discuss why it’s important to assess that risk by rebalancing as 2021 comes to a close.
Investments Article
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in the Creation of Stock Portfolios
Bud Kasper and Matt Kasper discuss the evolution of artificial intelligence in the creation of stock portfolios and how it's developed throughout their careers.
Retirement Article
Financial Lessons of 2021
From inflation to bonds and interest rates, there has been a lot to learn from the wealth of financial lessons of 2021. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper review some of those financial lessons of 2021 and give an outlook of what we can keep learning from them moving forward.
Investments Article
Reviewing Rebalancing Strategies
Market performances continue to make investors jolly during the holidays, but there’s something else you should be doing right now rather than just enjoying the ride. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper share why the holiday season is a good time to be reviewing rebalancing strategies.
Retirement Article
Swings in the Markets in November
There never seems to be a dull moment in the markets, and November was certainly no exception. Dean Barber shares how a new COVID-19 variant, ongoing inflation, and projected small rate hikes have accounted for some wild swings in the markets in November.
Investments Article
Safe Withdrawal Rates
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss safe withdrawal rates and why they should be different for each person based on their financial plan.
Retirement Article
Benefits of Charitable Giving During the Holidays
Do you enjoy spreading holiday cheer by reaping the benefits of charitable giving? Here are a few things to keep in mind on Giving Tuesday.
Retirement Article
Counting Our Financial Business Blessings
As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones this week, Dean and Bud give thanks for their families, clients, financial business blessings, and much more.
Retirement Article
5 Holiday Shopping Tips Amid Supply Chain Issues
Holiday shopping amid the supply chain crisis can be hectic. Here are five financial planning tips that can help you this holiday season.
Retirement Article
Making the Most of Market Opportunities
A financial plan can make a world of difference, especially when you're making the most of market opportunities. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper look at some of those opportunities, as well as ones outside of the market, to help you live your one best financial life.
Retirement Article
5 Long-Term Strategies for a Better Retirement
There are few things that make Dean Barber and Bud Kasper happier than seeing the fruits of the forward-looking planning pay dividends for their clients. In this week's edition of America's Wealth Management Show, they offer five long-term strategies for a better retirement.
Retirement Article
Let’s Talk About the Current Housing Market
Shane Barber gives a unique personal perspective on the housing market to help assess the status of the current red-hot housing market.
Investments Article
Is a Slowing Growth Period in Our Future?
Dean Barber predicts that we'll see a slowing growth period continue through the end of 2023 to avoid any type of recession.
Retirement Article
A Critical Time of Year for Tax Planning
The holiday season isn't the only thing to be preparing for right now. Dean Barber, Bud Kasper, and JoAnn Huber share why this is a critical time of the year for tax planning.
Investments Article
The Fine Line Between Good Fear and Bad Fear
Dean Barber and Bud Kasper break down the differences between good fear and bad fear to help people live their one best financial life.
Retirement Article
Barber Financial Group Hosts 2021 Charity Golf Event
Select Barber Financial Group financial advisors enjoyed a beautiful day with some clients for the firm’s 2021 Charity Golf Event on Thursday, October 14, at Deer Creek Golf Club.
Retirement Article
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment Set for 5.9% Increase in 2022
The Social Security Administration announced that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will increase 5.9% in 2022, which is the biggest annual uptick in 40 years.
Taxes Article
The Latest on New Tax Laws in 2021
JoAnn Huber & Jason Newcomer talk about creating a financial plan with a tax emphasis to prepare for new tax laws in 2021 and beyond.
Retirement Article
Planning for Uncertainty in Retirement
In the quest for financial clarity and confidence, there's no doubt that today's decisions and actions can create your future. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper discuss how those decisions and actions are critical when it comes to planning for uncertainty in retirement.
Retirement Article
Don’t Miss Out on Your Money: Redefining Risk Management
Shane Barber redefines risk management to help mitigate the occurrences of people missing out on their money in retirement.
Retirement Article
Why the Debt Ceiling Is a Big Deal
September was the S&P 500's worst month since The Great Recession. What is happening with inflation and interest rates? What is going on with our debt ceiling? Dean Barber breaks all that down in the latest Monthly Economic Update.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Fall Activities in Kansas City for You and Your Grandchildren
Fall is in full swing in the Kansas City area. Check out these five fun fall activities that you can enjoy with your grandchildren.
Investments Article
Predicting the Future of Your Retirement
There is contrast between the uncertainties in retirement and your career. Learn more about how you can predict the future of your retirement.
Investments Article
Market Volatility Adds to Spookiness of October
After the market experienced a negative month in September for the first time since January, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper suggest that the spookiness of October includes a lot of market volatility.
Retirement Article
Why When You Retire Matters
Do you have an idea of when you want to retire? There’s no doubt that there can be some excitement that comes with that, but the fear of not having financial stability throughout retirement isn’t something to dismiss. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper are here to help explain why it’s critical to make a forward-thinking retirement plan that accounts for future inflation and taxes. Their analysis of previous 20-year rolling periods show why when you retire matters.
Insurance Article
What is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The Medicare Open Enrollment period, which is October 15 through December 7 each year, is coming up. Insurance Consultant and Medicare Expert Tom Allen is here to make sure you are prepared to make your selection for 2022.
Retirement Article
5 Ways to Avoid College Debt
Are you or your children looking for a head start in the Game of Life? Matt Kasper can help by offering five ways to avoid college debt.
Taxes Article
What If We Go Back to Old Tax Rates?
We take a deep dive into the recent history of tax rates and preview how they could change with the end of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026.
Retirement Article
Dean and Bud’s Beginnings: Forming Fiduciary-First Relationships
The most rewarding experience for Dean Barber and Bud Kasper is getting to educate people on financial planning. Get to know Dean and Bud on a more personal level, as they share about their start in the industry and how they approach the industry today.
Retirement Article
Inflation’s Impact on the Market
Crazy things are happening in the market: the stock market, bond market, housing market, inflation's impact on the market, interest rates. I’m Dean Barber, founder and CEO of Barber Financial Group. Stick around for this month’s economic update.
Retirement Article
Rising Interest Rates, Inflation, and Overvalued Markets: The Triple Threat
With rising inflation, rising interest rates, and market valuations at all-time highs, it’s critical to be aware of what could lie ahead due to these financial threats. Dean Barber and Bud Kasper have proclaimed this as the triple threat, and they want you to be prepared for it. Join them now to educate yourself on these important issues.
Retirement Article
5 Common Misconceptions About Retirement
There can be a lot to look forward about to retirement, but people often have a lot of misconceptions on their way to and through retirement. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper, as they break down some common misconceptions about retirement to provide you with the clarity to retire with confidence.
Investments Article
Owning Bonds in a Rising Interest Rate Environment
One of the more common questions clients have asked us over the past few years is, "Why would I want to own bonds right now, when they are barely paying any interest, and interest rates are going to be going up soon?"
Retirement Article
Questions About Pensions
When it's time to retire, there's a lot of decisions that you have to make. Join Dean Barber and Logan DeGraeve as they discuss questions about pensions. It's not just about pensions, it's about Social Security, taxes, and everything involved in making the right decisions for your retirement goals.
Retirement Article
3 Steps to Help Evaluate Your Pension: Lump Sum or Regular Payments
Pensions as an employee benefit are on the decline, but for some, pension benefits will contribute to a meaningful and lasting retirement, and you need to make sure you are prepared to make the right decision.
Retirement Article
Revisiting the National Debt Discussion
I wrote Is the National Debt too High? last June. Today I want to go back and revisit some of the things I discussed in that article and give you some updated information on the state of our National Debt.
Investments Article
Understanding US and Consumer Debt
Total US national debt now eclipses $28 trillion. Total US household debt eclipses $14 trillion. Both all-time highs. What does this mean to the US economy? What does it mean to you financially? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they examine the US national debt and consumer debt.
Investments Article
Investing in a Post-COVID Era
What’s more important when you head into retirement – your asset allocation or the financial planning techniques employed in your retirement plan? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they tackle investing in a post-COVID era. You’ll understand why financial planning techniques are far more critical than just looking at the asset allocation.
Investments Article
The Next Ten Years: Investing During and Beyond COVID-19
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update. We have an extended program for you today. I'm joined by David Mitchell, Regional Director for Alliance Bernstein. We'll detail what's happening in the economy, what's happening in the market, and taking a look forward at what we can expect.
Retirement Article
Retiring with $1 Million
What could retirement look like with $1 million? We're going to show you four different couples. One couple, which we referred to as the average couple, with a 60/40 portfolio, claiming Social Security at 62, would be able to spend $3.5 million over a lifetime.
Retirement Article
How $750k Can Go as Far as $1 Million in Retirement
Would you rather have $750,000 or $1 million? On its face, this question seems like a no-brainer. One million dollars is a larger number than $750,000, so that has to be the correct answer – right?
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Sequence of Returns
Bear markets and sequence of returns. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they tackle the question: Can retirees survive the next bear market? It's not a question of if – it's a question of when will the next bear market will occur. They're going to discuss strategies so that you can survive the next bear market.
Retirement Article
Can Retirees Survive the Next Bear Market?
Can today's retirees survive our next bear market? On June 1, 2020, I wrote an article titled The Serious Consequences of The Sequence of Returns in Retirement. In this article, we are examining how long a retiree's money may last in retirement when factoring in both distributions and stock market volatility.
Taxes Article
The Best Part of the Tax Code: The Roth IRA
What is the best part of the tax code? I say it's the Roth IRA. And guess what Peter Thiel would agree, he has a $5 billion Roth IRA. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they break down the Roth IRA and the importance of tax diversification, asset location, and how you can get as much money as possible into a tax-free environment.
Investments Article
Asset Location & Peter Thiel’s $5 Billion Roth IRA
A story has been making the rounds over the past few weeks profiling entrepreneur Peter Thiel. You may have seen he is the owner of a Roth IRA worth approximately $5 Billion. Yes, that's Billion, with a capital "B."
Investments Article
Breaking Down Inflation
Taxes and inflation. These are the two largest wealth eroding factors when it comes to your retirement. We see people all the time using an inflation rate in their financial plans well below what it should be. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they break down inflation historically and inflation today.
Retirement Article
Lumber, Commodities, and Inflation Fears
If recent events are any indication, and I believe they are, we may already be seeing the end of this inflationary trend and the beginning of a return to more normal prices. I'm going to focus a lot on lumber in this article. However, I am also discussing the big three agricultural commodities we farm in the Midwest: corn, wheat, and soybeans.
Investments Article
Market Valuations: Is it Time to Rebalance Again?
I walk through market valuations, expected long-term returns based on current market valuations, and where we are right now in the economic cycle, where the markets are, and what we think is ahead.
Investments Article
Why Bear Markets Matter
You know a lot of people say that asset allocation will take you through any bear market. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss why bear markets matter more than you think. Especially those of you that are nearing retirement or in retirement.
Insurance Article
Do I Still Need Life Insurance in Retirement?
For many people in similar situations to my own, life insurance makes sense for various reasons. But what about individuals who are approaching retirement or already retired? Do they still need life insurance in retirement? The answer, like most things in personal financial planning, is "it depends."
Estate Planning Article
Securing Your Estate Plan
Did you know that the most expensive estate plan is actually the lack of an estate plan? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss securing your estate planning and mistakes to avoid. They have some interesting stories to tell and some tricks and tips to make sure that your estate plan is right for you.
Estate Planning Article
4 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
all of the components of a well-designed financial plan, estate planning might be the one that people like to think about the least. After all, you're confronting and dealing with your own mortality. Let's take a few minutes to review some of the common estate planning mistakes and learn how we can avoid them.
Estate Planning Article
The Son of SECURE: Here We Go Again
On May 5th of 2021, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the 2.0 of the SECURE Act, nicknamed the Son of the Secure, officially known as the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021.
Retirement Article
5 Potential Problems with Retiring Early
You may have seen the acronym FIRE (Financially Independent Retiring Early) thrown around in the past few years. On paper, the FIRE lifestyle may seem incredibly attractive to many. Work hard in your 20s, 30s, and even 40s to make as much money as possible in as short a period as possible.
Retirement Article
Pandemic Market Valuations
Stock market valuations hit an all-time high in January of 2000. That is until now. Today’s valuations exceed where they were before the Dot Com Bubble. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss the overvalued markets, whether or not they are sustainable, and pre and post-pandemic market valuations.
Retirement Article
The Pandemic Economy Then and Now
The COVID-19 pandemic will go down in history as one of the worst health events in recent history, causing one of the fastest market crashes in history and ending with one of the fastest recoveries in history. Three incredible distinctions, held by one invisible and criminal virus that changed the face of modern history in ways we still haven't come to grips with yet.
Retirement Article
What is a Financial Planner?
Did you know there are 212 different financial designations for advisors? What exactly is a financial planner? How do you know who to trust? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss the 212 different designations. What's good and what's bad?
Investments Article
Bond Market Outlook & May Market Performance
What is happening in the economy and the markets? Is inflation here to stay? Or is it a temporary phenomenon? Join me for just a few minutes here as we talk about what's happening in the markets and the economy, a bit on inflation, and a lot on bonds.
Estate Planning Article
Understanding Generational Wealth
Did you know that 60% of families waste their generational wealth in the second generation? And 90% of families have little to nothing left at the end of the third generation? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they talk about generational wealth planning and how you can make sure that the money stays in the family.
Insurance Article
5 Ways to Set Your Kids Up for Financial Success
Everyone wants the best for their kids and making sure they have the tools to create financial success for themselves is important.
Retirement Article
Retiring in a High Inflation Environment
The headlines are everywhere, inflation is rearing its ugly head again! Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they tackle the subject: Retiring in a High Inflation Environment. You should understand how this high inflation environment affects your ability to retire and stay retired and do it with dignity and peace of mind.
Investments Article
401(k) Factors to Consider
You're 401(k), if you're like anyone else, is likely your largest asset. If it's not now, it probably will be in the future. What happens to that 401(k) when you change jobs? Should you do Roth or traditional contributions? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss your 401(k), your largest asset.
Investments Article
Should I Buy Gold?
"Should I buy gold?" I hear this question daily, multiple times, and it's not surprising. You can't turn on your radio, television, or open your email or social media accounts without being bombarded by gold commercials. They're everywhere.
Investments Article
What to Do with a 401(k) After Leaving a Job
Have you ever left a job where you were actively saving in a 401(k) account? You may be wondering what your options are for that 401(k).
Retirement Article
Retirement Regrets & How to Avoid Them
The last thing you want after you retire is to have regrets. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss retirees sharing their biggest retirement regrets. They'll help you make sure that you don't have those same regrets in retirement.
Investments Article
April 2021 Market Performance
Today I'll review what happened in the markets during April. We saw some good things across the board. More importantly, however, we're going to talk about what we see coming for the balance of this year.
Investments Article
Are Annuities a Good Investment?
Has anybody ever said to you, I've got the best investment for you? If that happens, turn around and walk away. Here's the deal. Every investment was designed for a specific reason. Before you should ever talk about investments with anybody, they should fully understand your personal situation.
Investments Article
401(k) Employer Match (Free Money)
The 401(k) employer match is what I want to discuss today. The "free money" available to those of you who have a 401(k) or other qualified plan at work where your employer matches some portion of your contributions to the plan.
Retirement Article
5 Things to Do Before and After Retiring
If you were to list the five most important things to do before and after retirement, what would they be? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss the five things do to before and after retiring.
Retirement Article
Taxes on Retirement Income
When you leave your job and enter retirement, your tax situation can drastically change. We're often asked by clients, "How will my retirement income be taxed?" The short answer: it depends. Let's take a closer look at some of the typical income sources in retirement and learn more about how that income could be taxed.
Investments Article
Money Velocity and March Markets
So everything started pretty decently in March, and then we had a little bit of a pullback. We will discuss why that pullback occurred, the 10-year Treasury, bonds, and money velocity.
Retirement Article
Real Retirement Disruptors
When you head into retirement, it's supposed to be the time of your life. The time where you're supposed to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. A time when your money can go to work for you. Unfortunately, there are many disruptors out there in your retirement. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they talk about real retirement disruptors and how to avoid them.
Insurance Article
Why You Should Never Be Sold Insurance
Bud and Dean will discuss how you determine what insurance you should purchase and why. And how do you stress test the difference between self-insuring and buying the necessary insurance?
Investments Article
Income in a Low Interest Rate Environment
We've been in a low interest rate environment for quite some time, but we're in a little bit different situation today than we have been, say, over the last decade.
Investments Article
Bonds Versus Bond Funds
A well-diversified investment portfolio is one of the cornerstones of a well-crafted financial plan. Not only is it a good idea to have a variety of different types of stocks in your long-term investment accounts, but it is also typically wise to own other types of assets, like bonds.
Investments Article
Buying Real Estate in Your IRA? Not So Fast
There is no shortage of people and companies out there trying to convince you that buying actual real estate in your IRA is a good idea. A quick google search of the term real estate IRA brings up about 63,800,000 results in just under a half a second. Really.
Investments Article
Traditional Versus Roth 401(k)
People frequently ask us whether they should contribute to a Roth 401(k) or a traditional 401(k). The answer to this question depends on your personal situation. There are several factors you should consider.
Insurance Article
Top 10 Risks in Retirement
When you ask the question, "What's your biggest fear in retirement?" Most people will say it's the fear of running out of money. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper, as they talk about the top 10 risks in retirement and what you can do to mitigate those risks.
Retirement Article
Rising Interest Rates and Inflation
We have the threat of inflation. We have stock markets with record levels as far as price-to-earnings ratios go. And we have a rising interest rate environment. So, where does all that bring us? Please join me with this episode of our monthly economic update.
Insurance Article
Reviewing Your Property and Casualty Insurance
If you are anything like me, the idea of reviewing your property and casualty insurance ranks right up there with things like a visit to the dentist or prepping for a colonoscopy. It just isn't something we tend to look forward to, so we put it off, even though we know we should do it.
Investments Article
11 Tax Tips for Tax Time
It's everyone's favorite time of year, it's tax time! Well, maybe not. Join Dean Barber and JoAnn Huber, CPA and CFP®, as they discuss 11 tax tips for tax time. Believe it or not, what you're doing during tax season is reporting history. The question really is: What can you do to reduce your tax bill in the future?
Estate Planning Article
Estate Tax: How Will My Assets Be Taxed When I Die?
You are probably aware that the government can tax you when you earn income from work, make money on investments, take withdrawals from accounts, and even tax the income you receive when you claim Social Security benefits. Were you aware that the government can also tax your estate (and your beneficiaries) on the assets you own when you die?
Investments Article
Target Date Funds in 401(k)s: Are They Hitting Their Targets?
Today, anybody in the workforce more than likely participates in their company's 401(k) retirement plan. Therefore, they should be familiar with an investment option known as a target date fund. While not part of the original 401(k) investing landscape at its inception in 1978, target date funds, launched in 1994, are the most popular way for participants to invest for their retirement future today.
Investments Article
Stock Market Valuations Have Never Been Higher
Look at where we are today. The average of these four, as we measure stock market valuations, have never been higher in the history of the market. We are sitting right now at 184% above fair value. So that in and of itself is enough to scare you.
Investments Article
What Should I Invest My Money In?
What should I invest my money in? It's a natural question to ask. Some would say it's a reasonable question to ask. For decades hucksters and prognosticators alike have convinced us that it's a question that can be answered easily.
Investments Article
Financial Planning: Why it’s NOT All About Investments
What's ahead for the stock market in 2021? In order to answer that question, we have to look back at 2020. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss their 2021 market predictions and look back at 2021.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your 401(k)
Rebalancing your 401(k), or your portfolio at-large, is the process of resetting the weightings of the investments inside your portfolio to their original weights. For example, let's say your initial investment allocation in your 401(k) was 60% stocks and 40% bonds.
Investments Article
RMD Strategies for Before & After Retirement
Dean and Bud discuss required minimum distributions this week. You may be asking, “Why are you talking about RMDs so early in the year?” There are major RMD strategies for both before and after retirement. You don’t want to miss a moment of this episode.
Retirement Article
2020 Financial Year in Review
Welcome to 2021! I'm glad all of you are with me today, and I hope you're all staying healthy and safe. Today, I'm going to look at 2020 and what's to come in 2021.
Retirement Article
Stimulus: Second Round for Americans
On Tuesday, December 29th, the House passed a bill to increase the stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000. Now, that bill goes to the Senate. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has stated that the $600 stimulus checks will begin to go out as soon as Tuesday night of the 29th.
Investments Article
Finding the Good Things in 2020 & Looking Ahead to 2021
Shane Barber breaks down the good things to come from 2020 in the markets, the economy, and more. He also looks ahead toward 2021.
Investments Article
2020 Market Wrap-Up & 2021 Outlook
If you fell asleep on January 1, 2020, and woke up today, you would see a stock market that's on fire. The NASDAQ is up over 40%, the Russell 2000 and S&P 500 are up in the mid-teens, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up nearly 10%. But guess what, it hasn't been a straight line. What does 2021 have in store for us? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they review 2020 markets and look forward to 2021.
Investments Article
Record November for Small Cap Stocks & 2020 Wrap-Up
It is December 2nd as we record this. I've got Jason Newcomer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, joining me today to give you some updates on a record-breaking month in November. Everybody says we want to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, but I'll take many Novembers of 2020.
Retirement Article
2020 Year-End Tax Planning for Retirees
We've said this many times that as long as you live in the United States, as long as you have money or make money, taxes will be a factor in your life. In this year-end tax planning discussion, we're talking about helping people not pay as little 2020 tax as possible but as little tax as possible over their lifetime.
Investments Article
The Power of the Consumer
Today we're going to spend some time talking about a subject near and dear to my heart, demographics. With demographics, I'll illustrate to you the power of the American consumer. You might be wondering why I like demographics so much, and that would be a reasonable question to ask. My answer is this. Demographics are the closest thing we have to a crystal ball when predicting future trends in the economy.
Investments Article
The Election and Wall Street: Special Election Update
It's Wednesday, November 11th, as we record this, and the election is over, right? Maybe not. It's Dean Barber, founder, and CEO of Barber Financial Group, along with Bud Kasper. We come to you with a special election update, whether or not you believe that the election is over or that it's going to end up in the courts. We're here to talk to you about what has gone on so far. And what it means to you as an individual.
Investments Article
Investing in Uncertain Times
If there is one thing that's certain in our economy and country, it's that there is always uncertainty. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they talk about investing in uncertain times. There are really no times that are certain, but right now there is more uncertainty than ever before especially around COVID-19.
Investments Article
Contested Elections and the Stock Market
We're coming up on elections; some of you may be reading this on election day. There is a global pandemic that we have rising cases going on right now, the election, and the economy. I know you have questions about how you should position yourself and what you should be doing. We're going to discuss all of that and how contested elections have impacted the stock market in the past.
Retirement Article
Top 5 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement
There are some things that can be downright frightening for those of you planning for retirement. Let's take a look at some of the money mistakes to avoid that go bump in the night for retirees.
Estate Planning Article
5 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan Today
It's National Estate Planning Awareness Week, and with what everyone has experienced in 2020, we thought it was prudent to go over some reasons to update your estate plan today.
Social Security Article
The Future of Social Security
The future of Social Security has been a topic of discussion and a playground of endless speculation for as long as most of us can remember. It's difficult to think of another financial/political issue that has been the center of as much attention as this one. And for good reason.
Estate Planning Article
Top 10 Financial Planning Considerations
It's National Financial Planning Month! Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they outline the top ten financial planning considerations. This is by no means a complete list of everything you need to do, but if you get these top ten in your financial plan, it can help you get clarity, confidence, and control for your retirement.
Retirement Article
Connecting Your Money with Your Life
If you live to be 100 years old, that is 36,500 days. Think about how many days you have to enjoy your life in retirement. It's not that many. The life expectancy for a man who is 65 is only 18.1 years. How many of those will be good years? Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they discuss how to make the most of your financial future by connecting your money to your life.
Investments Article
Dean Addresses September Stock Market Questions
I am sure there are many questions on your mind right now. Is the stock market overvalued? What is driving the stock market? Are we going to get another stimulus plan? And what's going to happen once the November 3rd Election is over? Hey, it's Dean Barber, CEO of Barber Financial Group. I'm going to address all of those questions on this month's economic update.
Investments Article
Beyond Tax-Efficient Investing
When it comes to investing, an essential measure of success is how much of your return ends up in your pocket instead of in Uncle Sam's. Many people focus on the return without factoring in the drag taxes have on the actual amount of money left to use.
Investments Article
Can I Beat the Market?
Many investors compare their investments to certain indices in an effort to beat the market. But are indices a good benchmark? You may have heard someone say there two emotions that can drive our investing decisions.
Retirement Article
Planning for the Next President
We're planning for the next President of the United States. Join Dean Barber and Bud Kasper as they take a deep dive into what might happen if Joe Biden wins or if Trump is re-elected.
Investments Article
What if Trump Wins the Election?
Shane Barber and I shoulder the challenge of writing if Trump or Biden wins the election. Our task is providing facts and insights as they pertain to each candidate's platform. Neither my friend Shane (the Beethoven of words and the Sherlock Holmes of facts) or I chose which side to represent. Instead, we were assigned a candidate. Mr. Barber will present for former Vice President Biden's positions, while I undertake President Trump's positions.
Retirement Article
What if Biden Wins the Election?
We're going to let the math and the logic take us where it will as we analyze the two candidate's positions. Bud will be covering if Trump wins the election, and I'll be covering if Biden wins the election.
Retirement Article
7 Most Overlooked Budget Items in Retirement
Most people have, at best, a rough idea of how much they spend each month. Money comes in from a paycheck, and money goes out for various expenses. When it comes to planning for your retirement, it's good practice to have a detailed understanding of how and where your money goes once it leaves your bank account. In retirement, some expenses won't look a lot different than they do while you are working.
Investments Article
Are Millennials Saving the Housing Market?
Looking at what the market did in August, you would think that we were in the best economic time in your life! Things have been off the charts. Join me for this Monthly Economic Update where we'll discuss the markets for August, understand how millennials are impacting the housing market, the disparity in certain sub-sectors, and my thoughts on the presidential election.
Taxes Article
Tax Planning Opportunities for 2020
The year 2020 has been full of many unexpected events. These events have led to some unique tax planning opportunities for 2020. Most people we meet with want to know how to legally pay the least amount of taxes possible. By being strategic and deliberate in your actions, you may be able to incorporate some of these planning strategies to minimize your taxes and use these opportunities to your benefit.
Investments Article
COVID-19 and the Real Estate Market
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the real estate market in a whole host of ways, and there is a high probability that some of the changes that are occurring will be permanent. Today I want to discuss what we see happening in real estate due to COVID-19 and how those things may affect not only the real estate market but also the stock and bond markets.
Retirement Article
Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners
In this post, we'll explore many of the various retirement plans that may benefit not only you, the small business owner but also your most valuable asset, your employees. front of our faces, neglecting to plan for the long run. Take a step back, and for today, let's think about life after business. This is harder than it sounds for those of you grinding day in and day out. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Estate Planning Article
Introducing Wishlife: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Wishlife is an easily accessible family library that can be used to store photos, videos, and important documents that you would like to have as a part of your lasting legacy. Want to make sure that your grandchildren and their children and grandchildren know how you and your spouse met? Upload a video of you and your better half discussing how the first date occurred and what each person’s first impression was before falling in love.
Investments Article
What is Driving the Stock Market?
COVID-19, presidential elections, stimulus, and zero interest rates. What in the world is going on with the markets? Join me along with Bud Kasper, President of our Lee's Summit office, as we discuss what is driving the stock market.
Investments Article
What is ESG Investing?
With the increased demand for so-called “socially responsible” investments, investors have never had such a wide array of choices. If socially responsible investing is important to you, focusing your investments on ESG factors may be of interest. So what is ESG investing?
Investments Article
Is the Stock Market Overvalued?
The question of whether the stock market is overvalued is one that we field on an almost daily basis. The problem is, there are no easy answers. That's because there are so many methods used to measure valuations that, unless you understand them all, it's hard to form an opinion on which one is correct at any given point in time. Add in a personal bias towards a particular method, and you've really complicated the discussion.
Retirement Article
Interview with Dr. Laura Lile, M.D., R.PH.
What if there was a way that you could prevent COVID-19? Join me and Bud Kasper as we interview special Guest Dr. Laura Lile, M.D., R.PH. about how you can boost your immune system to potentially reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Investments Article
Economic Activity and Our Recession Oppression
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially announced in June that the U.S. economy is officially in a recession. The NBER committee determined that the peak in monthly economic activity occurred in February 2020. The peak marks the end of an expansion that began in June 2009. The expansion lasted 128 months, now the longest expansion in U.S. business cycles on record dating back to 1854.
Retirement Article
The Importance of Tax Planning
According to a recently released survey by Nationwide Retirement Institute, 39% of retirees surveyed "rarely consider the taxes they are paying or will pay in retirement." However, 90% of respondents report feeling in control of the retirement planning process, and 92% of future retirees feel they are financially ready for retirement. While confidence may be high, that 39% not considering taxes are woefully mistaken.
Investments Article
Is the National Debt Too High?
I can't count the number of times that, during a discussion about the economy with a client or a friend, the question of our national debt has come up. To a person, they're worried about how far in debt our country is to other countries, and how significant that debt is as a percentage of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Investments Article
June Stock Market is Showing Big Divergences
Last month, Jason newcomer, CFP®, and Financial Planner, and I discussed how we thought volatility was bound to creep back into the markets. As I write this article, the markets are now over 2000 points below where they peaked earlier in June. Today we'll discuss that big divergence in June stock market performance.
Retirement Article
Father’s Day Reflections
This Father's Day, we decided to have some of the fathers here at Barber Financial Group reflect on their experiences. From relationships with their fathers and grandfathers to sacrifices and rewards of fatherhood, it's experiences like these that mold us.
Estate Planning Article
7 Retirement Strategies to Retire Successfully
This list of strategies will hopefully give you a great place to start if you're getting ready to retire or just curious about preparing for retirement. Our goal is to provide you with simple yet effective retirement strategies that do not only focus on investment tactics or savings percentages. Instead, we hope to give you a toolbox of strategies for retirement with which you can combine to build the retirement of your dreams.
Investments Article
PPP Flexibility Act, Forgiveness Rules Change
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, or the PPP Flexibility Act (PPPFA), into law. The rule changes include extensions on deadlines and payroll requirement changes that impact loan forgiveness. These changes to the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loosen restrictions on forgiveness for borrowers.
Investments Article
Sequence of Returns: The Serious Consequences in Retirement
I'm guessing that most everyone has seen the movie Good Will Hunting. It starred Matt Damon as Will Hunting and the late great Robin Williams played the role of his psychiatrist Dr. Sean McGuire. You'll recall that Damon's character is a 20-year-old janitor from South Boston who was an unrecognized genius. To avoid jail time for assaulting a policeman, Will is invited into therapy with William's character by professor Gerald Lambou (played by Stellan Skarsgård).
Retirement Article
3 Ways Retirement Planning is Like BBQ Ribs
You may be asking yourself right now, "What in the world could ribs have to do with retirement planning?" And I don't blame you for wondering. It's weird enough to see both things in the same sentence, let alone in the title of an article. Well, here's the thing; I recently purchased myself a new charcoal grill and have been working on perfecting my ribs. I'm learning a lot about patience, balance, timing, and, most of all, the juicy, delicious reward of a carefully prepared rack of ribs.
Investments Article
Can We Trust May’s Market Recovery?
There are a lot of questions out there today. Can we trust May's market recovery? Is the worst behind us, or is there a second wave of a market down? Will we see the volatility come back? What about Coronavirus? Where's that headed? What's our economy going to do? Join me along with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Jason Newcomer for this month's economic update.
Retirement Article
Retirement Planning and Mountain Biking
Yes, you did read the title correctly. I'm sure you probably have a lot of questions like, why are we talking about mountain biking and retirement planning in the same sentence? Or why are we talking about mountain biking at all?
Investments Article
CARES Act Retirement Account Distributions
Before the pandemic, people weren't allowed to withdraw money from their IRAs for purposes not related to their retirement. However, the CARES Act includes special provisions permitting coronavirus-related distributions and loans from retirement accounts.
Investments Article
Rebalancing Your Portfolio in a Falling Market
There is an almond-shaped part of our brains called the amygdala. This part of our brain processes environmental stimuli and helps identify things we would perceive as threatening, initiating our “fight-or-flight” response. This response is deeply ingrained in our DNA.
Retirement Article
Interview with a Hospital CEO During COVID-19
Dean interviews his brother Eric Barber, the CEO of Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, in this glimpse inside the operations of a rural midwest hospital amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Investments Article
Who Do You LUV? Recovery Shapes
I'll explain my crazy article title, Who Do You LUV? Please note that I have underlined four letters in the title. Each of these letters, W, L, U, and V, suggests different types of economic outcomes that hopefully result in an economic recovery! Remember, an "economic recovery" suggests recovery for both the stock and bond markets as well.
Investments Article
Comparing COVID-19 to Previous Bear Markets
Today, Bud Kasper and I compare COVID-19 and previous bear markets, and what we think is coming down the road. We're starting with a very ugly chart in Figure 1. What we're looking at here is major indices on a year to date basis. You can see that most of the indexes are off of their lows for the year by a pretty substantial margin.
Investments Article
The PPP: The Paycheck Protection Program
The government passed the CARES Act with loans designed to help these small businesses stay financially open and also to continue to pay their employees during the stay-at-home orders. One of these loans is called The Paycheck Protection Program or as it’s commonly referred to as The PPP.
Retirement Article
Stimulus Check — Answers to Your Questions
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Millions of Americans will receive an Economic Impact Payment, also known as a stimulus check, from the federal government as part of this Act.
Investments Article
Lessons Learned from Coronavirus
Today we want to spend a little time talking about the potential good things that will come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sweeping attempts to deal with it, including the closure of a good portion of our economy for a brief period. Every cloud has a silver lining; we'll explore a few that we see coming out of this one.
Retirement Article
How Seniors Overcome Social Isolation During Coronavirus
During the unprecedented global events of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen many examples of how seniors are overcoming social-Isolation. Here are a few ways that they're beating isolation during quarantine and why it is so crucial to stay connected.
Retirement Article
CARES Act Update: $2 Trillion in Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed and enacted on March 27, 2020. Created in direct response to the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the nation, it's a $2 trillion package. This massive relief package includes new tax credits for individuals, small business loans, and new rules surrounding retirement accounts, student loans, and unemployment benefits.
Investments Article
Black Swan Events: The Reality of Unexpected Volatility
The majority of Americans have probably never heard the term "Black Swan events," especially when used in the context of an economic event. So why are we writing an article about this thing called a Black Swan event? It's because Black Swan events create an unpredictable, negative, and many times...
Investments Article
Negative Interest Rates in the United States
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update, today we're going to discuss negative interest rates in the united states, economic stimulus, and more. It's a doozy—lots of records broken, and things that we've never seen before. Bud Kasper is going to join me today. And while we're doing our social distancing, give you as much information as we can about what we're seeing what we're doing, what we're hearing, and what we think is ahead, enjoy.
Insurance Article
Health Care Costs During Retirement
For those of you gearing up to retire within the next few years, you may be wondering how your health care costs in retirement might look. There are several factors at play. We’re going to dive those to give you a better understanding of your health care costs in retirement.
Investments Article
Bond Market Rally: Low Treasury Yields & Oil Prices
On March 9, 2020, 11 years to the day from the bottom of the Financial Crisis in 2009, yields on treasury bonds went lower than they’ve ever gone in our nation’s history. By the close of business on the 9th, 10-Year treasuries were yielding 0.56%, and 30-Year treasuries were yielding 0.99%. These are unheard-of levels.
Retirement Article
Coronavirus Update: What You’re Not Hearing on the News
The longer coronavirus drags on, the more frustrated I become with the mass media and their inability or unwillingness to report on it with any modicum of décor. Instead, it's the same old, "if it bleeds it leads" mentality for which they have become so disliked.
Investments Article
US Household Debt at Record Levels
US Household Debt last peaked in 2008 at $12.68 trillion. This came with housing debt peaking in the 3rd quarter and non-housing debt peaking in the 4th quarter. The US consumer then began a slow deleveraging process that lasted for nearly five years. Total US household debt bottomed out in the 2nd quarter of 2013 at $11.15 trillion. During that time, I and countless others wrote that the deleveraging would eventually help the consumer to rebound...
Retirement Article
Coronavirus, the Markets, and the Economy
You need to understand what's going on with Coronavirus. You need to know how it's impacting the markets. Strange things are happening in the bond market, and the yield curve has inverted up to the One-Year Treasury. The Two-Year Treasury is not quite there yet. Today we're going to do things a bit differently with Jason Newcomer, one of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® joining me today.
Investments Article
The SECURE Act’s 10-Year Rule
As you may be aware by now, the SECURE Act completely changed the rules for the beneficiaries of retirement accounts. Possibly the most significant change is the new 10-year payout rule, which essentially eliminated the ability to stretch the IRA over a beneficiary's lifetime. Here are ten things you need to know about the new 10-year rule. Here are the ten most important things you need to know.
Retirement Article
Paying for Your Child’s Wedding Costs
There are few things more exciting than learning about your child's engagement. Sometimes, that news can come as a big surprise, like in this clip from Father of the Bride. Hopefully, that surprise eventually comes as a delight to you and your family. That delight can quickly turn into stress once it is time to discuss your child's wedding. Paying for your child's wedding costs will come later in your career when retirement saving is critical. That's why it's crucial to have a solid plan, so you can avoid derailing your retirement.
Retirement Article
Financial Independence: Am I Already There?
Financial independence can be defined as the day your money goes to work for you instead of you working for your money. Achieving financial independence means you never have to work another day in your life you don't choose to. It means you have the freedom to devote your time to the people, causes, and things you care deeply about, rather than your job.
Investments Article
Will The Coronavirus Financially Impact Me?
It seems like an annual event occurring every winter season—the latest virus epidemic ends up causing worldwide concern and, in some cases, panic. Some of you may remember the year that SARS was infecting people around the world. There's been Ebola, Bird Flu, and the list goes on and on. The media usually encourages fear by blasting pictures of hospital wards or people walking to work in masks.
Estate Planning Article
Why Spouses Should Be Planning for Retirement Together
Planning ahead is important, especially when it comes to retirement. However, many spouses planning for retirement don’t plan together. Instead, opting for one spouse to quarterback the retirement plan for the both of them. The problem with this game plan is that it takes two to tango, and it takes two to build a retirement that works for both parties. There are many reasons why spouses should be planning for retirement together, so let's discuss some of them.
Investments Article
Stock Market and Super Bowl Odds Similarities?
What can the Super Bowl oddsmakers in Las Vegas teach us about the stock market? I'm going to show you some strange similarities to what the oddsmakers in Vegas were thinking versus what the stock market was doing in January 2020. Alright, let's have a little bit of fun here for all you Chiefs fans. I'm a Chiefs fan, what a Super Bowl! The first chart I want to show you is from the oddsmakers in Las Vegas talking about the probability of San Francisco winning the Super Bowl.
Retirement Article
Hail to the Chiefs!
After a 50 year hiatus, the Kansas City Chiefs have finally made it back to the pinnacle of football as they prepare to play the champions of the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV (54) this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Beach. For fans and players alike, it has been a long and many times arduous campaign that finally became a reality with the Chief’s win over the Tennessee Titans 35 to 24.
Estate Planning Article
Is the Stretch IRA Dead?
In December 2019, Congress passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement (SECURE) Act. One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the stretch provision for most beneficiaries of inherited retirement plans like IRAs and 401(k)s. What does this change mean for you? What opportunities does it present?
Retirement Article
Retirement Age: Risks You Can’t Control
We regularly talk about controlling risk where you can. However, today I want to address some issues with retirement age and risks that you can't control. There are lots of risks that you can't control, not just in retirement, but in life. The only thing we can do about those risks is to ask the question "what-if?" Then make a plan to address that potential outcome. The risk is still there, but if you've made a contingency plan for its possible occurrence. By doing so you've mitigated its effect on you and/or your family.
Estate Planning Article
SECURE Act Changes Retirement Planning
In 2019, there was a lot of buzz about the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement or the SECURE Act. Early on, this bill had bipartisan support, unusual in today's political climate. The SECURE Act passed both chambers of Congress, and on December 20, 2019, was signed into law by President Trump. This single piece of legislation will have significant impacts on retirees and their beneficiaries. So, let's dive deeper and discuss how the SECURE Act changes retirement planning.
Retirement Article
Politically Motivated News
A quick google search for politically motivated news will yield you roughly 40,300,000 results in (on my computer) 0.51 seconds. First of all, it’s nothing short of a modern miracle that 40 million results are available in half a second. That’s staggering. More importantly, it’s incredible there are 40 million pieces on politically motivated news floating around on the web.
Investments Article
2019 Financial Year in Review
Stick with me as I look at the 2019 financial year in review and what we see coming for 2020. A near-record year for the stock market! Housing starts are way up and consumer confidence way up. There are a lot of great things that happened in the last quarter of 2019. I have to say; we're going to be sad to see it go.
Estate Planning Article
20 Things to Do Before You Retire in the 2020s
Well, here we are approaching the close of another decade. As many often do near the end of a milestone, we’re doing a countdown. However, this countdown isn’t looking back over the past decade, but rather forward toward the decade on the horizon. New decades often mean new goals, and for many, it’s likely the ultimate goal during our working years, retirement.
Investments Article
Economic News, Where is the Recession?
Hey economic news outlets, where is the recession? Stick with me for the next few minutes as I discuss economic news and the big question; where is the recession Alright, let's start with economic news, and I'm just going to cover a few articles and some headlines that came out since early November. As I write this, it's December 4, 2019, so we're a few days into December.
Investments Article
Presidential Elections and the Stock Market
As the year 2019 comes to a close and 2020, a presidential election year looms large on the horizon. I find myself answering the same question daily. The question is essentially this; "How will the Presidential Election affect the stock market?" And I know, as sure as I'm sitting here writing this article, the majority of you reading this want to know the same thing.
Investments Article
Stock Market News versus Fundamentals
What do you think drives the stock market? Is it news headlines reporting on a rumor or a tweet causing stock market jumps and dips? Or is the market-driven more by its fundamentals (the underlying data behind the price of stocks)? I don't know that there is one correct answer to this question.
Taxes Article
Charitable Giving in Retirement
As the end of the year approaches, many individuals make charitable donations to the charitable organizations they care about. Most charitable giving is for reasons other than the tax benefit. However, tax benefits are an important consideration that can help offset the cost of the donation.
Investments Article
Sprint T-Mobile Merger: What it Means for Kansas City
The FCC approved the Sprint T-Mobile merger in a 3-2 vote on November 5, 2019. It’s a deal that’s been looming large over the KC Metro the past several months, and the impact on Kansas City has yet to thoroughly discussed. Let’s take a look at the merger, how it’s affecting Sprint, its employees, and Kansas City.
Investments Article
Boeing 737 Max: Why Quality Control Matters
In March of this year, after 2 separate crashes killed a combined 346 people, the Boeing 737 Max was grounded. Details from the 2 incidents showed that they were both caused by the same issue…the MCAS, or maneuvering characteristics augmentation system malfunctioning. The MCAS is designed to keep the aircraft from stalling, by pushing the nose of the plane down.
Retirement Article
US Manufacturing is in Recession
Today I'm going to cover the good and the bad in what's going on with the economy. We're going to cover the US manufacturing industry and how it's heading toward recession, the non-manufacturing industry, and a more normalized yield curve compared to what we've been talking about in previous Monthly Economic Updates. We'll also be covering the stock market and earnings as it pertains to forward-looking earnings in the markets.
Retirement Article
Active Versus Passive Management
The active versus passive management debate has been with us for a long time, going back almost to the issuance of the first ETF in the U.S. in 1993. When they were first issued, ETFs were used almost exclusively by institutional investors to execute sophisticated trading strategies. However, it wasn’t long until financial advisors, and individual investors took to them as well.
Social Security Article
Social Security Changes for 2020
The Social Security Administration recently detailed changes to Social Security beneficiaries going into effect at the end of 2019. Starting December 31, 2019, beneficiaries will see an increase in their monthly benefit amounts by 1.6% compared to 2019. For reference, last year's benefits increased by 2.8%, the largest increase since 2011.
Estate Planning Article
National Estate Planning Awareness Week
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is upon us, going from October 21st to the 27th this year. So, what is National Estate Planning Awareness Week? Also, why do we need a national awareness week for estate planning? Let’s dig in and find out.
Retirement Article
The Interest Rate Environment
Today we're going to cover some interesting things happening in the interest rate environment. We will cover the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and their outlook for the global economy over the next 12 to 18 months, what the markets are doing, and a little about earnings. And to round it all out, we will discuss the change in the yield curve.
Retirement Article
Unemployment Rate at 50 Year Low: Why it Matters
On October 4th the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Employment Situation Report. The data showed the Unemployment Rate in the US had fallen to 3.5%, a low not seen since December of 1969. That is great news for our economy, as it means there’s plenty of work to go around. The report also showed the Labor Force Participation Rate held steady at 63.2% overall, and at 82.6% for adults aged 25-54.
Investments Article
The Rule of 72
How Long Does it Take for your Money to Double? If I had a penny for every time someone asked me how long it would take their money to double, I’d have…well…a lot of pennies. It’s an age-old question that everyone with money to save or invest wants the answer to. In today’s low-interest rate environment however, there is no easy answer. The rule of 72 can help you understand how long it will take your fixed interest investments to double, but we’ll discuss why the rule of 72 goes out the window when it comes to stock market investing.
Investments Article
Saudi Oil Attacks Impact on the Global Economy
If there is one thing retirees hate (and the markets as well), it's uncertainty! We received a heavy dose of uncertainty on September 14, 2019, at 4:00AM when an onslaught of more than two dozen Iranian made drones and low flying cruise missiles crippled Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil refinery.
Taxes Article
Tax Planning Case Study
In this tax planning case study, there are two married couples—Sam and Samantha and Paul and Polly. Sam and Samantha would like to spend $120,000 net of taxes this year and do not have a tax plan. Instead, every year they stress out until they meet with their CPA to find out if and how much they owe the IRS when they file their yearly tax return.
Retirement Article
Negative Interest Rates In the US
There has been a lot of talk recently about negative interest rates in the US. In fact, you can’t turn on your television, computer, or phone without seeing some story about negative interest rates. The problem is that none of, or very few of these stories, actually take the time to educate their listeners/readers. You get a soundbite or a 300-word article that's supposed to arm...
Investments Article
Past Recessions & Recent Market Volatility
Today we’re going to go back by reviewing past recessions. We'll also be broadening the scope a little bit and taking long term look at the markets and market volatility over the course of the past year. We're then going to take a look at this yield curve. I have several different interesting charts to show you when it comes to this inverted yield curve.
Investments Article
Ultra-Long Treasury Bonds
Two years ago Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin took a look at the possibility of issuing ultra-long Treasury bonds with maturities between 50 and 100 years. The reason was to take advantage of the low-interest-rate environment and lock in extremely low borrowing costs.
Investments Article
Top 5 Things Investors Are Worried About Today
On August 26th of this year, sophisticatedinvestor.com released the results of a survey they conducted with 2,000 US investors. In the survey, respondents were asked which geopolitical or economic event they felt was most concerning where the health and safety of their investments were concerned. They surveyed men and women between the ages of 35 to 65+ from coast to coast. Here are the top 5 things investors are worried about today.
Investments Article
What Happens After a Yield Curve Inversion?
On August 14th, 2019 the Yield Curve between the 2-Year and 10-Year Treasury bond inverted for the first time since May 2007. This caused the stock market to sell-off, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping more than 800 points. What happens after a Yield Curve Inversion? Why were the markets so spooked?
Estate Planning Article
What is a Living Trust and Do I Need One?
Many use a living trust in their estate planning strategy. However, whether it’s right for you depends on your personal necessities, goals, and situation.
Investments Article
Market Volatility & the Yield Spread
Today we're going to cover the recent market volatility, interest rates, and the historical move in treasuries. Also, the yield spread between the Three-Month and the 10-Year Treasury. We're going to cover what's going on in the stock market, why I think it's happening, and a little bit on precious metals.
Investments Article
Mutual Funds and ETFs, Which is Right for Me?
We get this question a lot from clients – what’s the difference between mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds)? Both are investment funds that will generally provide you with some level of diversification. There are mutual funds and ETFs that invest in US stocks, non-US stocks, real estate, and gold. There are even funds that allow you to invest in more developing areas like cannabis and blockchain technology.
Retirement Article
Equifax Settlement, What it Means for You
Were you one of the millions of people whose information was exposed in the September 2017 Equifax breach? If so (or even if you aren’t sure yet), you may be eligible for compensation.
Retirement Article
What is the SECURE Act?
There’s a piece of legislation in discussion widely in the news that will have major impacts on your retirement savings. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is not only a reminder that our elected officials are great at coming up with acronyms, but it’s also a bill that has bipartisan support.
Investments Article
2020 Contribution Limits for Retirement Plans
We’re halfway through the year. Are you on track to maximize your retirement savings? Here are the 2020 contribution limits for retirement plans. Last year, the IRS increased the 2020 contribution limits for retirement accounts.
Retirement Article
529 Plan: Saving for Education Expenses
Using a 529 Plan to Save for Your Children’s and Grandchildren’s Education Expenses
For a little more than two decades, people with ambitions of paying for their loved one’s college education have been able to set aside money into tax-favored accounts.
Investments Article
Economic Indicators and the Market
This month I'm going to bring you up to date for the quarter. I'll discuss economic indicators like interest rates so far this quarter, year-to-date, and over the last 12 months. We'll also take a look at the markets over the second quarter and cover a little about precious metals, consumer...
Retirement Article
How is My Retirement Income Taxed?
It depends. If you have been saving for your retirement by using tax-deferred accounts such as traditional IRA, 401(k), etc. Uncle Sam’s buddies at the IRS will demand a chunk of any withdrawal that you make. Pension payments are most likely subject to federal income tax too. If this weren’t depressing enough, your Social Security benefits may be taxed also.
Retirement Article
What is a QCD? Qualified Charitable Distribution
For those of you who are charitably inclined, and have an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or 401(k), or another type of retirement plan, you may want to know more about a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD may be used by owners of retirement accounts who are at least 70 ½ years of age. A QCD provides tax benefits to the account owner that they may not have been eligible for prior to reaching the age of 70 ½.
Investments Article
How Likely is the Fed to Cut Interest Rates?
The question of the day is, how likely is the Fed to cut interest rates in the near term? Their rhetoric has certainly picked up. Last year’s rate hike in December—seen by many as a “mistake” was a continuation of the normalization of monetary policy that began in 2016. This is in contrast to the Fed’s sharp about-face not two months later, where rate hikes were effectively put on pause.
Retirement Article
New Retirement Bill, the SECURE Act
JoAnn Huber, our CPA, learned about a fascinating new retirement bill that has passed the House and is likely to pass the Senate because it is believed that only six senators today are against it. So, it’s likely to become law. To set the stage, this new retirement bill could impact tax law.
Investments Article
Financial Planning Lessons from Chernobyl
HBO’s Chernobyl is a five-part mini-series that dramatizes the story about the nuclear disaster that took place in 1986 in northern Ukraine. It just wrapped up a few weeks ago. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen on TV. My wife, Lauren, and I were hooked from the start. Spoiler Alert! for those interested in seeing the show but haven't or are unaware of the events of Chernobyl.
Retirement Article
Happiness and Your Financial Life
I want to walk you through the importance of building a personal financial plan. But before I get to that, I want to talk to you about some interesting statistics on happiness.
Retirement Article
Social Security Trust Fund in the News Again
You're probably aware that there are numerous issues surrounding the Social Security Trust Fund, and its ability to pay benefits into the future. Just this past April, the annual Social Security Trustees’ report pegs the trust fund to be depleted by 2035. There’s been a lot of talk about “fixes” for the system.
Retirement Article
Taxes in Retirement
It's the things that you think you know about, that just isn't so that gets you in trouble, and taxes in retirement is one of those things. Many people believe they're going to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Or that it doesn't matter where they get their income from in retirement, that it's all going to be the same.
Investments Article
10-Year Treasury and Market Volatility
One thing is for certain; May was an exciting month overall - we have some updates on the 10-year Treasury, tons of news, lots of talk about the trade war with China, lots of talk about this new trade tariff deal that Trump is threatening on Mexico, and the markets are in a turmoil for May.
Retirement Article
Investing for Retirement
History has shown that mixing those three types of investments in your portfolio can increase your risk-adjusted returns.
Retirement Article
Financial Planning Blind Spots
We're talking about financial planning blind spots this week on America's Wealth Management Show. Financial planning blind spots are in your path to and through retirement, and there are many of them. By definition, a blind spot is something that you don't know exists, and that can cause a lot of accidents.
Investments Article
US Stocks: Investing for Retirement
Today we’ll be looking at what is arguably the most discussed part of your investment portfolio, US stocks. If you missed the last two installments of our Investing for Retirement series be sure to check them out. They were on bonds and international stocks. Turn on CNBC (no financial planner has never said this phrase before, probably), and you’ll be updated every minute of the day as to how this asset class is performing in bright, bold numbers. If you get online, watch TV, or listen to the radio throughout the day...
Investments Article
Tariffs, Trade, and the Economy
Turn on any news outlet, or pick up any news publication today and you’re likely to see or read about the tariffs that the U.S. has recently imposed on goods imported from China. Most people covering this developing story refer to what’s going on as a trade war. And most oversimplify the situation
Retirement Article
International Stocks: Investing for Retirement
In our last post, we looked at how bonds can fit into a diversified portfolio. Today, we are looking overseas, and why you might want to own international stocks to be truly diversified. When you look at the stock (equities) portion of your portfolio, you have an important decision to make.
Retirement Article
Bonds: Investing for Retirement
Often, when discussing portfolio allocations with clients, we will get asked a question or two that goes something like this, "The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. Why would I want to own bonds?" or "Yields on bonds are pretty low, shouldn't I just own dividend-paying stocks instead?" or "Bonds aren't making any money, look how much they lagged behind stocks. Tell me again; why do I want to own those?"
Investments Article
Bear Markets and Your Retirement
Let's imagine that you are 60 years old, and you've saved well. You've got a good amount of money in your 401(k). You know that you're going to have your Social Security and your spouse is going to have their Social Security. You save some money outside the 401(k). You've enjoyed a good, nice run in the markets, and it's October of 2007. The bear markets of the Great Recession is around the corner.
Investments Article
Qualified Charitable Distributions and Your Taxes
Let's talk about QCDs, qualified charitable distributions. Now, QCDs are something that's been around for a number of years - yet hasn't been talked about. However, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it's really become something that is a windfall to a lot of people if they understand how to utilize the QCD.
Investments Article
Negative Interest Rates Around the Globe
We’re all used to the concept of earning interest on our money at the bank. We deposit money into a savings account, the bank pays us a nominal interest rate, and meanwhile, our principle (what we deposited) is safe. Oddly enough, however, negative interest rates exist and are in effect in the world today.
Investments Article
Interest Rates and the Yield Curve
Hi, I'm Dean Barber, Founder, and CEO of Barber Financial Group. It's May 1st. Welcome to the economic update. Today we're reviewing a little bit about what the markets have done so far this year, where they're at today, and what's changed since the 4th quarter of 2018. We're going to discuss interest rates and the yield curve to give you an idea we are today. We'll talk about what we're thinking about the markets and what we're thinking about the economy. As well as what some of the indicators out there are telling us today.
Investments Article
Recessions and Bear Markets
According to JP Morgan, there have been 11 recessions in the US since the end of WWII. Recessions are defined as two consecutive quarters (6 months) of negative growth in gross domestic product or GDP. GDP is a measurement of our overall economic and business activity.
Investments Article
What is Yield Curve Inversion?
A recurring headline in financial media lately discusses something called the yield curve inversion. The yield curve has historically been a fairly accurate predictor of economic turmoil and recessions. In “normal” times...
Retirement Article
Questions About Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Our CPAs at Barber Financial Group often get questions about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). It’s a new thing for people. Once they turn 70½, they have...
Retirement Article
Making a Budget for Retirement
Are you close to retirement or at least can see it getting closer on the horizon? If so, thumbs up to you! Retirement is a major achievement but also one of the most common.
Investments Article
The Yield Curve Inverted, What You Need to Know
You've probably heard the yield curve inverted, and we will cover that. But what I am going to review with you is critical so you understand what's happening in the world of money. Not just in the world of the stock market. We're going to spend some time looking at the history of the bond...
Investments Article
DIY Your Retirement, Can it Really Be Done?
There are thousands of online resources and books that claim to teach you how to DIY (do-it-yourself) your retirement. But is it really possible and does it work?
Retirement Article
Could You Be Audited This Year?
There are certain pieces of mail that no one wants to see in their mailbox, and I’m not just talking about the normal electric bill. Notices of jury duty, legal matters, and one of the most dreaded pieces of certified mail?
Investments Article
End of the Great Recession Was 10 Years Ago
I want to start by saying, happy anniversary to the 10th anniversary of the official end to the Great Recession. Of course, we only know now because it's all in the rearview mirror that the stock market hit its all-time low March 9, 2009, after falling 56% from its peak in October of 2007.
Investments Article
GDP Growth and Interest Rates
Many people might think that spring is here in the markets. Well, I'm going to give you a reality check today on everything that's been going on in the markets.
Estate Planning Article
Cover Your Assets with an Estate Plan
We work hard to protect our wealth from many things while we’re alive. We try to avoid taking on too much investment risk. We try to avoid losing purchasing power to inflation over time. We have insurance policies in place to recover things we lose or to provide us...
Retirement Article
Should I Get Out of Debt Before I Retire?
Should I get out of debt before I retire? It's one of the more common questions I get when I meet with people getting closer to retirement. The most common liability on a balance sheet I see is a mortgage when asked if someone should get out of debt before they retire. For a long time
Retirement Article
How Do I Pay Less Taxes?
Everyone in America who pays taxes feels like they have paid their fair share, and in some cases, far more than their fair share. This causes people to be very shortsighted when it comes to reducing your tax bill.
Investments Article
How Do My Investments Affect My Taxes?
The relationship between investments and taxes is perhaps one of the most overlooked areas of retirement planning. Decisions that are made on the investment side of your retirement plan will most likely have some type of impact on your tax return. Typically an investor will have three different tax buckets that they can...
Investments Article
Fed Reacted to Market Tantrums
Something interesting happened yesterday. I don’t know if you have ever experienced it or not, but perhaps you have seen a child that doesn’t get his or her way and they throw a temper...
Taxes Article
Tax Filing Errors to Avoid
The dawn of 2019 brings opportunities to create new resolutions or plans for the next 12 months — and also marks the beginning of tax season. While tax day on April 15th can seem far off, this year’s deadline will be here before you know it.
Taxes Article
The Impact of Health Care Taxes in 5 Easy Steps
Chances are you have heard about the 3.8% surtax that went into effect in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act – but do you know if and when you might need to pay it?
Retirement Article
4 Reasons Why Tax Planning is so Important
When it comes to advanced tax planning, unfortunately many people either just don’t do it or they wait until the last minute only to find out that there aren’t any options to take advantage of at the point of filing their tax return.
Taxes Article
Our Team of CPAs
Sound tax planning can be the foundation of a successful financial plan and it is this niche that BFG Tax Service fulfills. Our CPAs are well-versed in the minimization of taxes.
Retirement Article
The Worst December Since the 1930s
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update, it’s January 4, 2019 as of writing this article and what an absolute wild ride it’s been over the last quarter.
Retirement Article
IRA New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year is here, and you may be thinking about an array of resolutions you have for 2019. This year, we want to encourage you to really pay attention to your IRA...
Investments Article
What’s Causing the Negativity?
Let’s start with the fact that we haven’t seen the type of volatility that we’re seeing today in 11 years. It’s been since the 4th quarter of 2007 when the sub-prime crisis began to rear its ugly head and just before the Great Recession.
Investments Article
You Can Save More Money in Your IRA in 2019
Saving for retirement? Then we’ve got some good news. The IRA contribution limit will increase to $6,000 in 2019, up from $5,500 in 2018. Even better news for some, if you’re over 50 in 2019 you’ll be able to contribute $7,000, as compared to $6,500 in 2018.
Retirement Article
End of Year Checklist
With the end of the year quickly approaching the last thing you need is another checklist.
Investments Article
Is a Roth Conversion Right for Me?
There is story after story about people who come into a bunch of money. Where problems can arise is when they don’t know what to do with it, they don’t understand the concept of money, and they don’t know how much they can safely spend.
Taxes Article
Year-End Tax Planning and QCDs
There are significant tax planning opportunities around this time of year, every year. The problem is that most people aren’t thinking about taxes right now.
Investments Article
Was this October Signaling the Next Bear Market?
This last month has been a pretty typical October. Two of the last three major bear markets have begun in the month of October and so many people are asking, “Was this October the signal of the next bear market to come?”
Retirement Article
Social Security Benefits to Increase in 2021
Last week the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA, beginning in January 2019. It’s the biggest increase since 2012.
Retirement Article
Questions About Social Security?
We know Social Security is a complicated system with many rules, regulations, and year-over-year changes. That’s why we regularly bring you articles covering questions that might be top-of-mind for you on claiming your benefits.
Investments Article
Women Navigating to Financial Success
What do women want when it comes to their financial future?
Investments Article
Strong Economy & Interest Rate Effects
It’s October 3rd as of writing this, and we’re officially into Fall. It’s been a hot summer for the markets with most of the major indices trading at record highs, with a few exceptions.
Retirement Article
At What Age Can I Retire?
How long do you need to work? Like just about everything else in financial planning, it’s a complex question.
Retirement Article
Have I Saved Enough Money to Retire?
Do a quick Google search for “cost of retirement” and you’ll be inundated with various numbers or multiples.
Retirement Article
10 to 15 Years from Retirement – What Do I Need to Do?
Depending on when you wish to retire, there are certain things you should check off your Retirement Plan Checklist at certain points in advance.
Insurance Article
4 Questions to Ask About Long-Term Care
As you age, calculating the chances that you’ll need long-term care—and the associated costs—is incredibly important.
Investments Article
Interest Rates and the Stock Market
We’ll go over what’s gone on in the last four or five weeks and what we anticipate is coming for the balance of the year.
Retirement Article
Taxes in Retirement Get More Complicated, Not Simpler
Most people believe that taxes are just a matter of fact, they are what they are.
Retirement Article
Are You Prepared to Claim Social Security?
On August 14, 1935 Social Security became reality and is now a major part of our retirement system and welfare system.
Investments Article
Volatility & July GDP
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update, I hope everyone had a great month and spent some time with their families.
Estate Planning Article
Creating Generational Wealth
Estate lawyers in Kansas City and beyond have witnessed the demise of family wealth again and again.
Retirement Article
Will Reduced Withholdings Cause You to Owe at Tax Time?
In December 2017, Congress passed a major tax bill called the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) which resulted in lower federal income taxes for many Americans.
Estate Planning Article
What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?
When a loved one passes away, most heirs are concerned about what will happen to their outstanding debt.
Estate Planning Article
Navigating Toward Your Financial Independence Day
In July 1776 our founding fathers declared independence from the British Empire, and earlier this week we celebrated that great feat with our family and friends over backyard barbecue and colorful explosions in the sky.
Investments Article
Interest Rates & Trade Wars
Welcome to the Monthly Economic Update for the month of June 2018. It’s June 27th as of the day I’m writing this article. Today, the stock market reversed a 285-point gain and as of this writing we’re down about 125 points on the Dow.
Retirement Article
Why We Plan
Do you remember getting your first paycheck and how it felt? Regardless if it was $10, $100, or $1000, there’s a good chance that you felt like a millionaire, even if only for a few minutes.
Estate Planning Article
Passing Down a Vacation Home
Wills and trusts administration lawyers often have the opportunity to work with local families who—in addition to planning for their regular home—also have a vacation home to take into consideration during the planning process.
Estate Planning Article
Keeping the Family Wealth Going
You’ve brought them into the world, watched them grow, cared for their needs, spent money on their wants, and regardless of the fact that they are now adults, you still want to take care of your child(ren) once you are gone.
Investments Article
How Interest Rates & Valuations are Affecting the Markets
As of today, the markets are down pretty substantially with President Trump writing a letter to Kim Jong-un putting the talks with North Korea on hold indefinitely.
Estate Planning Article
Paying for a Grandchild’s College
It’s the season of graduations and that means heading to your child or grandchild’s high school or college to watch them cross the stage beaming with accomplishment.
Investments Article
Spotting Email Phishing Scams
For some, spotting email phishing scams is a part of daily life. You check your email, see something that’s off in an email, and delete it shrugging it off as another attempt to get your personal data.
Retirement Article
My Parents are Retiring Soon
The title says it all, my parents are retiring soon, and I couldn’t be happier for them. After years of hard work, opening businesses, closing businesses, and socking away savings they’re on their way to retiring in full within the next year.
Investments Article
What is Causing All of the Volatility?
I want to do a few things today. I want to talk about what is causing all of the volatility so far this year, what happened in April, and then I’ll give my outlook for the balance of the year.
Investments Article
Taking Advantage of Stretch IRAs
If you weren’t already aware, a huge benefit of an IRA is its capability to generate tax-favored money to beneficiaries.
Investments Article
Q1 2018 Review and Q2 Outlook
Volatility, which was notable by its absence in 2017, came back with a vengeance in Q1 of 2018.
Retirement Article
Ignoring the Invisible Hand
One of the most important questions we have about our country's future is whether prosperity itself will make the American people lose sight of where that prosperity comes...
Investments Article
March Markets Were Like a Rollercoaster
March markets were like a rollercoaster and if you don’t like rollercoasters, the month of March was not much fun for you. In fact, the whole first quarter of the year wasn’t a lot of fun if you don’t enjoy ups and downs in the market. There’s not many who do.
Investments Article
Talking to Your Spouse About Money
Have you ever had trouble talking to your spouse about money, or more specifically, the purpose of your money in life?
Insurance Article
Unexpectedly Alone
When someone loses their spouse and finds themselves unexpectedly alone, not only is it heartbreaking, it can be financially devastating.
Estate Planning Article
Are You Prepared for Mental Decline?
No one likes to think about cognitive decline in themselves or their loved ones. But, for many families, this is an incredibly important topic to address.
Taxes Article
IRS Scammers Out In Full Force
It's déjà vu. Once again, there are warrants out for my arrest, although this year, I've gone coastal as the IRS supposed warrants out in the state of Florida AND Kansas. Impressed?
Investments Article
Wage Inflation & A Volatile February
Well, I could be really sensational and say this is the worst February since 2009 and that's true.
Investments Article
Determining Tax on Roth IRA Distributions in 5 Easy Steps
What are the ordering rules? Roth IRA distributions can consist of contributions, converted funds and earnings – or any combination of the three.
Retirement Article
2018 Tips for Tax Deduction and Credit Planning
Let’s face it – you will continue to pay taxes during your retirement. What most people are not aware of is that retirees have more control over their tax bill during these years than any other time of their life.
Investments Article
Stock Market Update with Dean Barber
There’s no doubt that this week on Wall Street has been tumultuous.
Retirement Article
The Best January Since 1989
Today, the day I'm writing this, is January 29, 2018 and we have a couple of days left in the month.
Retirement Article
Start Preparing for the Next Bear Market Now
The last time US stock investors experienced a bear market (typically defined by a 20% decline in the broad stock market), Barack Obama had just been elected President, and the Billboard Top Artists chart included names like Kid Rock and the Jonas Brothers.
Estate Planning Article
What Does the New Tax Plan Mean for Investing?
While much of the political fire and fury from Congress' tax plan debate has settled, some of the economic smoke still lingers as financial analysts and private investors plot their way through the new $1.4 trillion law's long-range ramifications.
Investments Article
2017 Year in Review & Looking Ahead at 2018
Let’s make this an annual update and talk about risk and reward. We are now far into the second longest bull market in history.
Retirement Article
Define & Reach Your 2018 Financial Resolutions
The New Year is here, bringing a fresh opportunity to consider your goals.
Investments Article
No More Roth IRA Do-Overs Under the New Tax Bill
Now that the Senate and the House of Representatives have both passed versions of the new tax reform law, one of the things that got the ax was Roth IRA recharacterizations after December 31, 2017.
Retirement Article
What You Need to Know About Tax Reform
This fall, the Senate and House released proposed legislation that would dramatically alter taxes in the United States.
Investments Article
The Importance of Diversification
It’s December 4th as we record this and what an interesting month we had in the month of November.
Taxes Article
Tax Reform: What First In, First Out (FIFO) Means for Investors
You have probably heard much about the pending tax legislation and all the provisions that are being debated.
Investments Article
End the Year on a Financial High Note
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the busy days ahead, 2018 will be here before you know it.
Investments Article
Fixing a Missed RMD in 5 Easy Steps
What is a missed RMD (required minimum distribution)? RMDs must be taken by IRA owners beginning in the year they turn age 70 ½ and by IRA...
Investments Article
Tax Reform Proposal Finally Unveiled
Note: After weeks of discussion, disagreements, and postponements, the House announced their plan for tax reform yesterday, November 2, 2017.
Investments Article
The Strangest October & Good Market Performance
Here we are in November. We just experienced literally the strangest October that I have seen in my 30 years in this industry.
Investments Article
Important Read: Is the World Getting Worse?
It’s our pleasure to bring you an article from a man we had the pleasure to meet and hear speak at a TD Ameritrade conference a few years ago, Mr. Peter Diamandis.
Estate Planning Article
Tips for Families Who Have Children with Special Needs
When beginning to build their families, few parents expect to have a child with special needs. However, the experience is surprisingly common and affects millions of people throughout the United States.
Estate Planning Article
4 Pillars of Retirement Translated
From time to time, a new prospect that I’m meeting with asks me what the 4 pillars of retirement are and how they relate to retirement planning.
Investments Article
The Least Volatile September in Recent Market History
We’re in the early days of October and September was a surprising month by many standards. It was one of the least volatile Septembers we have seen in recent market history.
Retirement Article
What if You Just Don’t Want to Retire?
Everyone assumes that everyone else wants to retire 100%, i.e. leave the working phase of their life behind and sit on a warm sunny beach (or something relaxing like that).
Investments Article
The High Cost of Divorcing Later in Life
Divorce is rarely easy. Most of the time, it is one of the hardest things to go through in life regardless what age you and your spouse are.
Retirement Article
When is My Social Security Break-Even Point?
The breakeven point for a single individual is a fairly simple calculation. The actuaries at the Social Security Administration designed the system so that a person living to the current life expectancy, based on the current mortality tables provided by the US government, will have received the same amount out of Social Security by everyone who reaches life expectancy age.
Retirement Article
Is Social Security Tax-Free?
A very common question we are asked at Barber Financial Group is if Social Security is tax free. The quick answer is: If the only income you have is Social Security you will not pay any taxes on your Social Security.
Investments Article
Protecting Yourself from Scams After the Equifax Hack
By now you have probably heard about the Equifax data breach and if the fact that millions of people’s personal information was linked to heaven knows who isn’t bad enough, here is even more concerning news.
Retirement Article
5 Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees
If you’re approaching retirement but don’t want to stop working, a part-time job is a great way to spend some of your newfound freedom, and bring home extra income.
Insurance Article
Equifax Breach Isn’t Just About the Risk to Your Credit Cards
Identity theft has been a problem for years. Practically everyone knows of someone who has had their debit or credit card number compromised at some point.
Investments Article
Is the Economy Slowing Down?
It’s September, after a long Labor Day weekend, hope everybody had a nice time and was able relax and enjoy your family. August turned out to be an interesting month.
Retirement Article
Will I Pay Taxes on My Inheritance?
There are many different forms of inheritance. Some will carry a tax burden while others will not.
Retirement Article
Retirement Age and Claiming Social Security
Many people believe that the date that they should claim Social Security is synonymous with the day that they retire. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Insurance Article
Should I Keep My Life Insurance?
Life insurance has two basic purposes. The first purpose is to replace income that is lost from the person who passes away. The second one is designed to be a way to enhance the estate left behind for any beneficiaries.
Retirement Article
5 Summer Activities to do with Your Grandkids
Summer in Kansas City provides many unique opportunities to not only experience the community, but also build stronger bonds with your grandchildren.
Investments Article
Interest Rates Stay Low Despite Hikes by The Fed
July was an interesting month. The old theory of “Sell in May and go away” would not have worked so well this summer.
Retirement Article
5 Fun Activities for Kansas City Retirees
Reaching retirement brings many benefits, one of which is having more time to relax and explore.
Retirement Article
5 Strategies to Reduce RMDs
Nothing lasts forever. This includes tax deferral on your IRAs. Eventually, Uncle Sam is going to want his share and will require funds to come out of these accounts.
Investments Article
Is there More to the Record Stock Markets?
Here we are, summer in full swing. On the economic front, we had a pretty light calendar in the month of June. We did see some positive things happen.
Retirement Article
How is Social Security Taxed?
A common question we receive at Barber Financial Group is “How will my Social Security be taxed?”
Investments Article
Important Information Regarding the Newly Enacted DOL Rule
Regardless if you are a financial news junkie or simply a 10 o’clock evening news viewer, chances are you’ve heard about the new DOL rule that went into effect June 9th, 2017.
Retirement Article
How do I get more Social Security?
Social Security is a very complex system. Social Security was originally formed to allow older workers to exit the workforce without the risk of running out of money in retirement, while allowing room for younger workers to come into the workforce.
Investments Article
Interest Rates Come Down in May, but it’s Not What You Think
Welcome to June and welcome to Summer, it’s almost here. So, from an economic perspective May was pretty boring, not a lot of exciting things happened during the month and I think that’s a good thing.
Investments Article
Invest Lifestyle Expenses in Memorable Experiences
Financial envy is even more of a thing now than it was back in 1913 when cartoonist Arthur R. “Pop” Momand debuted the comic strip “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” which centered on the misadventures of Aloysius P. McGinnis and his family, who were always trying to keep up with their never-seen neighbors, the Joneses.[1]
Estate Planning Article
What is Probate? Is it Bad?
Probate is the process of collecting your assets, paying your debts and taxes, and transferring the property owned by you, at your death, to your heirs.
Investments Article
Simple Tips for Ramping Up Your Retirement Savings
No matter where you are in your life, saving for retirement is likely one of your most important financial goals. But, even if you have professional guidance and a clear strategy for your desired future, you could still be missing some straightforward ways to maximize your savings.
Investments Article
Markets Counting on Trump Tax & Economic Plans
Not a lot really happened in the month of April, except for the fact that we had some really good corporate earnings out. We had a confirmation that first quarter GDP was subpar at best, however, better than last years zero rate.
The Guided Retirement Show
Retirement Podcast
Tax Planning Strategies with Marty James
Episode 70 | Marty James | President & Managing Member at Martin James Investment & Tax Management
Many people believe that tax planning strategies are only for the ultra-wealthy. Marty James helps Dean Barber explain why that's simply not true on the latest episode of The Guided Retirement Show.
Investments Podcast
The Fed and the Markets Face Multiple Headwinds with Brad Kasper
Episode 69 | Brad Kasper | President & CFO at LSA Portfolio Analytics
In today's episode, Brad and I will go in depth on these headwinds that the Fed and markets are facing and how it impacts you. The bottom line is that having a financial plan is crucial right now.
Retirement Podcast
Mail Bag: Answering More Questions from Listeners with Chris Rett
Episode 68 | Chris Rett, CFP® | Financial Advisor at Barber Financial Group
In this episode, Chris and I dig into a wide array of topics, including how to accurately estimate your income and taxes in retirement, how to determine which retirement vehicle is best suited to your needs, and a ton of other issues facing people in their pre-retirement and early retirement years.
Taxes Podcast
Ed Slott In-Studio!
Episode 67 | Ed Slott, CPA | America's IRA Expert
In this conversation, Ed and I discuss why retirees often get such bad guidance, the new time bombs ticking in the world of retirement (and how best to avoid them), and why now may very well prove to be the best time in your life to pay taxes for years (or decades) to come.
Investments Podcast
Alternatives to Stocks and Bonds with John Hampton
Episode 66 | John Hampton | Executive Director
In this conversation, Dean and John discuss why stocks and bonds get so much of the attention in the mainstream media and what alternatives are available to investors.
Investments Podcast
Optimizing Your 401(k) for Retirement with Drew Jones
Episode 65 | Drew Jones | CFP®, AIF® and Financial Advisor at Barber Financial Group
In today’s episode, Drew walks me and I discuss what is normally a person's biggest asset in retirement, their 401(k).
Investments Podcast
Accessing Liquidity in REITs and Private Real Estate Markets with Brian King
Episode 64 | Brian King - CEO | Realto
To help us improve our understanding of these investments, I’m thrilled to welcome Brian King. Brian is the CEO of Realto, a marketplace for non-traded securities that would otherwise be illiquid. Institutional and even retail buyers can use platforms like Realto to buy positions in REITs.
Social Security Podcast
Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Claiming Social Security with Ken Sokol
Episode 63 | Ken Sokol - Owner | Financial Spreadsheets, LLC
In today’s episode, we discuss the best (and worst) things you can do in claiming Social Security, why your retirement strategy could be the difference between bringing in or losing $100,000 or more in income, and the financial questions you should be asking yourself as you prepare for retirement.
Insurance Podcast
Navigating Health Care Costs in Retirement with Taylor Garner
Episode 62 | Taylor Garner - Agency Manager & Insurance Consultant - American Republic Insurance Services®
In today’s episode, Taylor and I talk about the traps and challenges of the healthcare industry that affect countless retirees, why the right plan can bring down your healthcare costs substantially, and how to put the many different forms of supplemental coverage to work for you.
Retirement Podcast
Creating a Financial First Aid Kit with Will Doty
Episode 61 - Will Doty | CFP®, AIF® | Partner & Financial Advisor at Barber Financial Group
Today’s episode is all about how to create a financial first aid kit. You’ll hear from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Will Doty about the documents and resources you need to have ready if you’re dealt with a worst-case scenario event.
Insurance Podcast
The Ins & Outs of Property & Casualty Insurance with Sarah Askren
Episode 60 - Sarah Askren | PRM Business Development Manager at The Miller Group
Joining me to talk about this is Sarah Askren. Sarah is a property and casualty insurance expert at The Miller Group. With over 20 years experience in the field, she’s passionate about making sure that her clients protect their loved ones and have access to the resources they need.
Retirement Podcast
The Difference Between Good Debt & Bad Debt with Logan DeGraeve
Episode 59 - Logan DeGraeve | CFP®, AIF® | Financial Advisor at Barber Financial Group
Joining me to help answer this question is Logan DeGraeve, CFP® at Barber Financial Group. We discuss the differences between good debt and bad debt, the discipline that is needed when using debt and leverage, and the right (and wrong) times in life to carry debt at every stage of life.
Investments Podcast
Investing in Private Equity with Michael Bell
Episode 58 - Michael Bell | Founder & Managing Director at Primark Capital
Today, Michael joins the podcast to discuss what private equity is, why it matters, and how you, the individual investor, can participate in private equity just like large foundations have done in the past.
Retirement Podcast
Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk with Bud Kasper
Episode 57 - Bud Kasper | CFP®, AIF® | President of Barber Financial Group Lee's Summit
To make sense of how sequence of returns risk plays out over the course of retirement, I’m talking to Bud Kasper. In this conversation, we discuss his writing on this topic, what the sequence of returns risk is, and how it can affect not just your ability to retire, but your ability to get through retirement.
Investments Podcast
The Basics of Bitcoin with Matt Kasper and Will Doty
Episode 56 - Matt Kasper | CFP®, AIF® & Will Doty | CFP®, AIF®
Joining me today to discuss the basics of Bitcoin are two of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ Professionals at Barber Financial Group, Will Doty and Matt Kasper. Without going down too many rabbit holes, this conversation is a top-level introduction to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency–and one you can use to make it a part of your portfolio in a meaningful way.
Investments Podcast
How Interest Rates and Inflation Impact Business with Don Wenner
Episode 55 - Don Wenner | Founder & CEO of DLP Capital
In this conversation, we dig into the challenges facing business owners in this time, the moves he made in the last 18 months to grow his business in spite of the COVID crisis, the impact that interest rates and skyrocketing values is having on the housing market, and the importance of having real strategies to operate in a recessionary environment.
Taxes Podcast
Prepare for Tax Law Changes by Having a Tax Plan with JoAnn Huber
Episode 52 | JoAnn Huber - CPA, CFP®, PFS - Managing Partner & Tax Specialist at Barber Financial Group
We dig into the breakneck pace at which Congress is introducing new tax legislation, and how you can prepare for potential tax law changes
Investments Podcast
Assessing Risk During All-Time High Markets with Brad Kasper
Episode 54 | Brad Kasper - President & CFO of LSA Portfolio Analytics
Our markets are at or near all-time highs. There are threats of inflation. People seem convinced that risk isn’t really present, even though it certainly is. What’s going on here, exactly? To help make sense of market risks and how they apply to you, I’m thrilled to be talking with Brad Kasper, President of LSA Portfolio Analytics.
Insurance Podcast
Health Insurance in Retirement with Taylor Garner
Episode 53 | Taylor Garner - Agency Manager & Insurance Consultant - American Republic Insurance Services
In today’s conversation, we explore how the insurance industry has been transformed over the last decade, how to find plans that meet your unique needs, and what to do to make your insurance coverage a balanced part of a comprehensive financial plan.
Retirement Podcast
What is a Registered Agent? with Kent Rockwell and Patrick Eyberg
Episode 51 | Kent Rockwell | Founder & Patrick Eyberg | Director of Partner Development atf Universal Registered Agents
In this episode, we discuss what exactly a registered agent is, why they’re so relevant to business owners, when you might need one, and how to find a great one to help keep your wheels turning.
Retirement Podcast
Addressing YOU: Answering Questions from Our Listeners
Episode 50 | Dean Barber & Chris Rett, CFP®
Here at the Guided Retirement Show™, we receive questions from YouTube viewers and podcast listeners from all over the world. We have a variety of specific questions, and we’re excited to answer as many of them as we can.
Social Security Podcast
How to Claim the Most from Your Social Security with Marc Kiner & Jim Blair
Episode 49 | Marc Kiner & Jim Blair - Social Security Experts
In this episode, we explore the many different options retirees have when it comes to claiming Social Security. We get into how Social Security is taxed, why different types of retirement income don’t play nice together, and how to put a stop to preventable losses and make the most of this extraordinarily complex program.
Estate Planning Podcast
Saving Lives and Saving Dignity with Dr. Alan Molk
Episode 48 | Alan Molk - Physicial & Author of Saving Lives. Saving Dignity: A Unique End-of-Life Perspective From Two Emergency Physicians
In today’s conversation, Dr. Molk and I talk about the unintended consequences of the incredible medical innovations developed over the last several decades. We discuss the growing need for palliative care (and what makes it different from hospice care), and why planning for healthcare emergencies of all kinds is a vital part of any retirement plan.
Insurance Podcast
Proper Risk Management with Darren Newell & Jason Newcomer
Episode 47 - Darren Newell | Insurance Agent at Midwest Professional Insurance & Jason Newcomer | Dir. of Centralized Financial Planning at Barber Financial Group
Joining me to talk about this are Jason Newcomer and Darren Newell. Jason is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Director of Centralized Finance Planning at Barber Financial Group, and Darren is an insurance agent at Midwest Professional Insurance. In today’s conversation, we talk about how to view risk management across different age ranges, how financial advisors and insurance agents often fail to help their clients mitigate risk, and how to take a holistic look at your risk exposure and best protect yourself right now.
Investments Podcast
Identifying Real Estate Opportunities with Don Wenner
Episode 46 - Don Wenner | Founder & CEO of DLP Real Estate Capital
In this conversation, Don and I talk about the pivotal moments that made him into the businessman he is today, the powerful tools he’s created to make expansion consistent and reliable for over a decade, and how to use them to scale any great business smartly and sustainably for years to come.
Taxes Podcast
Creating a Tax-Free Retirement with Ed Slott
Episode 45 - Ed Slott, CPA | America's IRA Expert at Ed Slott and Company, LLC. & Author of The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb
In this episode, Ed and I talk about why your IRA or 401(k) might be turning into a ticking time bomb of unpaid debt, how to stop your Social Security check from going entirely toward paying tax in retirement, how we may see the tax code change during President Biden’s time in office, and how to rethink your assets so you can safely take money out of your accounts and grow tax-free.
Retirement Podcast
The Power of Positive Aging with David Lereah
Episode 44 - David Lereah, PhD. | Economist & Author of The Power of Positive Aging
We can have all the money in the world, but if we don’t have our physical and mental health, that money means nothing. Few people understand this better than Dr. David Lereah, PhD. He’s the founder of United We Age, an organization working to inspire a movement where all generations of people are more aware and supportive of people aging. He's also the author of the recently released book The Power of Positive Aging.
Investments Podcast
Understanding Supercycles and Overvalued Markets
Episode 43 - David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein
Today, David returns to the podcast to talk about where we are right now, why the markets are doing what they’re doing, and the parabolic move in the price-to-earnings ratios of the stock market.
Investments Podcast
The Advantages of Planning for Retirement at an Early Age
Episode 42 | Jason Newcomer - CFP®, AIF®, EA | Financial Planner at Barber Financial Group
Joining me today is Jason Newcomer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and advisor here at Barber Financial Group. In this episode, we’ll share a list of great books geared towards young adults to learn more about the importance of retirement planning early on, we outline the fundamentals that they should be thinking about now, and we’ll share valuable information about the platform we’ve built at Barber Financial to help them get a head start on their retirement planning.
Investments Podcast
How to Build Better, More Predictable Portfolios
Episode 41 | Brad Kasper - President & CFO of LSA Portfolio Analytics
Today’s guest is Brad Kasper. He’s the president of LSA Portfolio Analytics, where he provides investment advisors with the tools and infrastructure they need to deliver incredible client services. In our conversation, Brad and I are talking about intelligent risk and fat tail analysis, how to use these tools to construct better portfolios, and what makes this approach different from modern portfolio theory.
Retirement Podcast
The Power of Building Great Relationships with Dr. Charlie Cartwright
Episode 40 | Dr. Charlie Cartwright - CEO of People Success Labs & Keynote Speaker
In this conversation, Dr. Charlie and I talk about the scientific method he uses to help people grow, the importance of community and meaningful relationships in everything we do, and the lessons he learned from 30 years working for major companies, including FedEx and UPS.
Investments Podcast
The History of Index Investing and the U.S. Stock Markets
Episode 39 | Bud Kasper, CFP®, AIF® - President of Barber Financial Group Lee's Summit Office
What exactly is index investing? Why do specific companies make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the NASDAQ? Should we be investing in index funds, or is there a better way? Here to help me answer all of these questions is the co-host of America’s Wealth Management Show, Bud Kasper. He has 38 years of experience in financial services, and we’ve done hundreds of radio shows and videos together.
Estate Planning Podcast
Understanding Donor-Advised Funds and Charitable Giving
Episode 38 | Christopher Rigsby, CAP® - Relationship Manager at Greater Kansas City Community Foundation & Greater Horizons
Joining me to talk about what happened and what to do about it is Chris Rigsby. Chris is from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, where he’s helping people find new ways to continue their charitable giving with strategies such as donor-advised funds, and take advantage of the updated tax code.
Retirement Podcast
What Retirement Looks Like After a Career in Professional Sports
Episode 37 | Mark Collins Sr. CEO at 2FiveSports LLC., Former NLF Player & 2x Super Bowl Champ
Today, Mark joins the podcast to tell the story of the many roles he’s taken on since leaving the NFL, building a legacy, and giving back by creating opportunities for other kids just like him.
Retirement Podcast
The Future of Work, Connectivity, and Technology with Jeff Alholm
Episode 36 | Jeff Alholm CEO and Co Founder at Digital Aerolus
Today, Jeff and I are talking about the technological revolution we’re living through right now, some of the incredible innovation he’s witnessed over the course of his career, and the devices that are already transforming life as we know it.
Taxes Podcast
The Power of Creating a Long-Term Tax Plan with JoAnn Huber
Episode 35 | JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®, & Partner at Barber Financial Group
Today, JoAnn returns to the podcast for the fourth time to talk about the ways 2020 has changed how people of all ages need to look at retirement, the importance of having a solid plan in place long before you take your first RMD, and how to protect yourself, no matter how much the tax code changes.
Social Security Podcast
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits with Marc Kiner & Jim Blair
Episode 34 - Marc Kiner | CPA at Premier Social Security Consulting LLC & Jim Blair | Lead Consultant at Premier Social Security Consulting LLC
Today, Marc and Jim join the podcast to talk about the major mistakes that people make as they claim Social Security, how to craft a strategy designed to avoid these pitfalls once and for all, and how to find an advisor who can help you navigate this astoundingly complex system.
Retirement Podcast
Owning a Small Business from a Family Perspective with Jan & Adam Fichman
Episode 33 - Jan Fichman | Founder & Owner of 7th Heaven and Adam Fichman | Founder & President of Lifted Logic
Today, Jan and Adam join the podcast to share the story of their family history in owning a small business. You’ll hear about the companies they built alone, lessons passed across generations, and how Adam’s small business has served Jan’s in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Estate Planning Podcast
How to Leave a Legacy that’s More Than Just Money with Ben Weisshaut
Episode 32 - Ben Weisshaut | Founder & CEO of Wishlife
Today, Ben joins the podcast to talk about how families can go deeper than money and create an emotional legacy to leave to your family. You’ll find out what he learned from interviewing countless families about what matters the most to them, what it means to build a responsible legacy, and how retirees are changing their plans in a world where it’s unsafe to travel to stay closer to family in difficult times.
Investments Podcast
How to Avoid the Biggest Tax Traps with Ed Slott
Episode 31 - Ed Slott | America's IRA Expert, Ed Slott & Company, LLC
In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the rapidly changing tax landscape we’re all living in. You’ll discover why it’s all but impossible to memorize the tax code and be 100% right in every situation - but how you can get the advice you need to make strategic decisions and plan for the best possible outcome.
Investments Podcast
Investing in Emergent Technology Like AI with Chris Buck
Episode 30 - Chris Buck | Head of Capital Markets & Sales at ROBO Global®
Today, Chris and I discuss his company and the financial products they’re making available to investors, how new technology transforms every industry it touches, and how you can potentially make some of his favorite innovative companies part of your retirement portfolio.
Retirement Podcast
How Preventative Care Can Keep You Healthy in Retirement with Dr. Laura Lile
Episode 29 - Dr. Laura Lile | M.D., R.PH. at Lile Wellness Partners
Though we normally focus on the financial aspect of retirement, this week’s episode is all about healthcare - and specifically how to live healthy at every stage of life. You’ll learn how to work with your body to address the declines we go through as we age, how to take preventative steps now to avoid worse outcomes later, and why it’s never too late to start taking steps to change your health.
Retirement Podcast
How to Give to Charity and Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving with Gary Pratt
Episode 28 - Gary Pratt | Senior Director of Development at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Here to help navigate the world of charitable giving is Gary Pratt, the Senior Director of Development for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. In 2019, Catholic Charities served about half a million people in need through over 20 programs across 21 counties, helping empower them to get jobs, learn new skills, receive food and housing, and even hospice care.
Retirement Podcast
Finding Purpose in Retirement with Joe Duran
Episode 27 - Joe Duran | Managing Director of Goldman Sachs, Head of Goldman Sachs Personal Wealth Management
Today, Joe joins the podcast to share stories from his own life, as well as his experience in financial services, about why it’s so important to live life in alignment with your priorities. If you’re trying to shape a financial plan - and a retirement - that gives you purpose and satisfaction, as opposed to merely helping you survive, this episode is a must-listen.
Investments Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know About Options with Lance Gaitan
Episode 26 - Lance Gaitan | Options Strategist & Portfolio Manager at Gaitan Strategic Ventures
Today, Lance joins the podcast to talk about how to craft an options strategy, whether they belong in your portfolio, and if this is something you can do on your own - or if you’re going to need the help of a professional. Stock options aren’t for everybody. A lot of amateur investors get burned trying to play the options game, and there’s a very good reason for this: they require a deep knowledge of strategy, of the win-loss ratio, and a strong understanding of what’s out there.
Retirement Podcast
Hard Work, Habits, and Baseball with Joel Goldberg
Episode 25 - Joel Goldberg | Kansas City Royals Broadcaster, Keynote Speaker, Host of Rounding the Bases with Joel Goldberg
Joel is the host of Rounding the Bases, a podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs and leaders in sports and business. He’s also the announcer for the Kansas City Royals and an experienced TV sportscaster. In our conversation, Joel doesn’t just share stories from his astounding career, but digs deep into the lessons he’s learned from the extraordinary people he’s met along the way.
Investments Podcast
Managing Your Portfolio in Times of Crisis
Episode 24 - Bud Kasper, CFP®, AIF® | President Barber Financial Group Lee's Summit
Returning to the podcast today for this special episode is Bud Kasper, President of Barber Financial Group Lee’s Summit office. Bud has over 37 years in this industry, has seen all kinds of bear markets, and all kinds of recessions. He has helped countless clients make the most of what can be a painful, difficult time.
Investments Podcast
How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement
Episode 23 - Dr. Randy Anderson | President Griffin Capital Asset Management Company, LLC
Joining me today is Dr. Randy Anderson. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and has focused his career on real estate investing. Together, we discuss the nuances and challenges of the real estate industry, the opportunities investors have to purchase high-quality real estate right now, and how to avoid complicating your taxes as you do it.
Insurance Podcast
Medicare Supplement Plans, A Closer Look
Episode 22 - Tom Allen | Medicare Expert, CMS, Insurance Consultant
Today, Tom and I dive deep into the differences between Medicare supplement coverage options, how to avoid potentially devastating expenses when dealing with prescription drug costs, and how to find a plan that will cover any conditions you may have and keep you healthy for decades to come.
Retirement Podcast
How to Be the CEO of Your Retirement
Episode 21 - Tony Lewis | Former CEO of ConAgra & Chair at Vistage International
Today, Tony joins the podcast to discuss the business leadership lessons that cross over into retirement and family planning, how to avoid missing out on major opportunities (financial and otherwise), and the power of communicating your intentions.
Retirement Podcast
Why Self-Awareness is Crucial to Retirement Planning
Episode 20 - Joe Lieberman | Author & Entrepreneur
Today, Joe joins the podcast to share the hard lessons he learned about life, business and self-awareness. How the mindset of blaming others and not recognizing your own impact affects you in retirement, and why no one should attempt to prepare for retirement alone – especially if they think they’re the smartest person in the room
Investments Podcast
How to Add Private Equity to Your Portfolio
Episode 19 - Greg Anderson | Private Equity & Fixed Income Specialist
In today’s episode, Greg and I discuss what makes private equity so special, how to break into this world at a low cost, and how to find private equity funds that might make sense as a part of your portfolio. With millions of privately traded companies in the world, private equity can help you become a part of the story of great businesses while seeing great, tax-friendly returns.
Investments Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know about Roth Conversions
Episode 18 - JoAnn Huber | Barber Financial Group & BFG Tax Service
Today, JoAnn and I are digging deep into Roth conversions: why you might want to do it when they make sense and the surprising reasons you may not want to do a Roth conversion. You’ll learn how to stop missing opportunities, take advantage of the unique benefits of the Roth while potentially avoiding hidden costs, and discover how some retirees have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by doing a Roth conversion the right way.
Investments Podcast
Economic Cycles & Avoiding Emotional Investing
Episode 17 - David Mitchell | AllianceBernstein
There’s nothing easy about building a portfolio designed to get you through retirement, and this is especially true in the event of an economic downturn. Emotional investing and aggressive reactions to bad news can make matters even worse, and these factors all have the power to turn your retirement from the greatest vacation of your life into something less fulfilling.
Retirement Podcast
What Retirees Need to Know About Cybersecurity
Episode 16 - Wayne Robinson | Financial Planner Barber Financial Group
Today, Wayne joins the podcast to talk about the many different ways retirees can fall victim to cyberattacks, why the criminals responsible for them are all but impossible to catch, and the simple steps you can take right now to reduce your risk factors by as much as 85%.
Investments Podcast
How to Assess Risk in Your Portfolio
Episode 15 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
Today, Brad is here to dive deep into the nature of risk and what it really means. You’ll learn how to quantify risk, how to measure it, and what it really means as you build a portfolio that will help you live the retirement you’ve always wanted.
Retirement Podcast
Travel in Retirement to Create Memories
Episode 14 - Mark Comfort | Owner of Cruise Holidays KC
Retirement is all about checking things off the bucket list. It’s a time to turn hard work into incredible experiences, truly connect with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime - and for many retirees, that means plans to travel in retirement.
Investments Podcast
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs Pt. 2
Episode 13 - Bud Kasper | CFP® & President Barber Financial Group Lee's Summit & Jason Newcomer | CFP® & Financial Planner
We're going to go into some more of the differences between ETFs and mutual funds, some advantages of ones over the other in certain circumstances, all designed to get you to understand what it takes in order for you to build the right portfolio for your own personal situation. Enjoy the conversation.
Investments Podcast
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Episode 12 - Bud Kasper | CFP® & President Barber Financial Group Lee's Summit & Jason Newcomer | CFP® & Financial Planner
Many investors have had questions lately about the difference between mutual funds and ETFs: why choose one over the other? Are they the same? What differentiates these two products, why are there so many offerings that appear to be so similar, and which is the best choice for my portfolio, especially as I approach retirement?
Investments Podcast
Things to Know Before Building Your Portfolio
Episode 11 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
There’s a lot that you need to understand before you set out building your portfolio for retirement. In the first part of my conversation with Brad Kasper, we had a big-picture discussion of what makes a portfolio successful, the dangers of emotional investing, and why math and data will always beat attempting to time the markets.
Investments Podcast
How the Economy Affects the Marketplace
Episode 10 - Brad Kasper | President & CFO LSA Portfolio Analytics
When it comes to retiring, nothing matters more than building a portfolio that allows you to achieve your goals, and no one knows this better than Brad Kasper. He believes in using math to create solid strategies to meet goals, and as simple as that may sound, it’s less common in the financial services industry than it should be.
Estate Planning Podcast
Estate Planning Pitfalls of Going Online
Episode 9 - Jason Salinardi | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation & Garrett Griffin | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation
Today, we continue our discussion by diving a little bit deeper. We focus predominantly on how DIY planning often leads to massive complications for survivors, how events like divorce can lead to serious estate issues after one family member dies, and why you need to work with a counselor or advisor who truly understands the nuances of estate...
Estate Planning Podcast
Estate Planning Wills and Probate
Episode 8 - Jason Salinardi | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation & Garrett Griffin | Attorney, J.D., LL.M Taxation
One thing is certain: at some point in time, all of us won't be alive on this Earth. This means that we all need proper estate plans. Many people, however, fail to set their estate plans up correctly...
Insurance Podcast
Understanding Medicare Options, Costs, and Coverage Pt. 2
Episode 7 - Tom Allen | Medicare & Supplemental Insurance Expert
In our previous episode, certified Medicare specialist Tom Allen and I discussed what Medicare actually is and what it’s designed to do. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, I strongly recommend you do so now. There are so many nuances to health insurance, and it’s very easy to get caught in financially devastating traps if you aren’t careful.
Insurance Podcast
Understanding Medicare Options, Costs, and Coverage
Episode 6 - Tom Allen | Medicare & Supplemental Insurance Expert
For many retiring seniors, Medicare is super confusing. There are lots of misconceptions about how it works, how supplements work, and what you should be doing in your retirement years to ensure that you’re covered. Tom Allen is a Medicare and supplemental insurance expert. Every year, he stays on top of the latest and greatest in this extraordinary...
Retirement Podcast
Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
Episode 5 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
You don’t have to read stories about people like Alan Stanford and Bernie Madoff or The Wolf of Wall Street to learn about scams and abuses in the financial services industry. In fact, fraud and abuse often hits much closer to home, and the growing senior population all over the world gets more likely to be taken advantage of with every passing year.
Estate Planning Podcast
Your Realistic Retirement Plan with Brie Williams
Episode 4 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
When many people build their financial plans, they only envision an ideal retirement where nothing goes wrong. They assume they’re going to live long, happy, healthy lives, that nothing’s ever going to get in their way, and that the future is going to go exactly to plan.
Retirement Podcast
Creating Better Financial Outcomes
Episode 3 - Brie Williams | VP State Street Global Advisors
Why do we do what we do? What motivates us? These are big questions - and they apply just as much to financial services as they do everything else in our lives. Brie Williams, the Vice President of State Street Global Advisors, has dedicated her career to helping financial advisory firms facilitate efficiency and growth
Retirement Podcast
IRA vs. Roth IRA Pt. 2 with JoAnn Huber
Episode 2 - JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®
In the last episode, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CPA JoAnn Huber and I kicked off the podcast with a discussion about the differences between the IRA and the Roth IRA.However, we barely scratched the surface, and if you’re feeling confused after listening to Part 1 of our conversation, that’s okay.
Retirement Podcast
IRA vs. Roth IRA – How to Make Both Work for You
Episode 1 - JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®
For many people, the 401(k) is their largest asset. However, there are several different types of 401(k) plans, each of which follows a different series of rules and regulations. Choosing the wrong type of 401(k) can have significant consequences in retirement - and can drastically affect your quality of life for years to come.
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PDF Document
Tax Reduction Strategies
Here’s a list of a few tax strategies to consider that could improve your overall tax structure during your retirement years and for your beneficiaries inheriting your estate.
PDF Document
Retirement Plan Checklist
This checklist was created to give you a timeline of items that should be done prior to and during retirement.
PDF Document
Social Security Decisions Guide
Regardless if Social Security will or will not be your primary source of income in retirement, if you take your Social Security benefits at face value you could be leaving money on the table.
PDF Document
Making Sense of Medicare
Making sense of Medicare can be difficult, especially if you are like many people and your health insurance was provided through an employer that offered just a handful of options.
PDF Document
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
When you reach age 72 you must begin to draw funds from your traditional (i.e., non-Roth) Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
PDF Document
5 Things Retirees Should Know About Social Security
Social Security provides an important source of guaranteed income for most Americans. Choosing an appropriate claiming strategy is even more important under new Social Security regulations.
PDF Document
Estate Planning Guide
One of the most important things you can do for them is to ensure that when you pass away, your estate is protected.
PDF Document
401(k) Survival Guide
Not sure what to do with your 401(k) when you retire or are nearing retirement? Once you retire, a plan for withdrawing those funds that provides a constant source of income that isn’t eaten up by taxes and other costly traps must be constructed
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Video
Retiring During a Recession
Uncertainty has been the theme of 2022. We’ve experienced some jaw-dropping market volatility and inflation, and after back-to-back quarters of negative GDP growth, we’re technically in a recession. All this uncertainty has only enhanced our firm’s commitment to help people continuing living their one best financial life. In this Barber Financial Group Educational Series event, Drew Jones joins Dean Barber to discuss what it’s like to retire during a recession.
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Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Will Doty joins Dean Barber to talk about Social Security claiming strategies and why maximizing your Social Security benefit is a critical part of your overall financial plan.
Video
Setting Up a Spending Plan for Retirement
Setting up a spending plan for retirement is one of the most critical components of a financial plan. Will Doty joins Dean Barber to help explain a few reasons why that’s the case on the Barber Financial Group Educational Series.
Video
Finding Financial Independence
Bud Kasper joins Dean Barber for the Barber Educational Series to discuss the journey toward reaching financial independence and what financial independence could mean for you.
Video
How Bonds Fit into a Financial Plan
One of the most common questions that our advisors here from clients and prospective clients is, “Why should I own bonds?” Considering how rising interest rates and inflation have been wreaking havoc on bonds, it’s a fair question to ask. Still, no matter the economic condition or how interest rates are doing, bonds can still make sense in your portfolio. Dean Barber and Chris Rett explain why in this Barber Financial Group Educational Series event.
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The Guided Retirement System
Logan DeGraeve and Dean Barber discuss how the Guided Retirement System gets people to and through retirement.
Video
IRA Planning for 2022
After reviewing 401(k) planning for 2022 in January, we’re slightly shifting gears here for this Barber Financial Group Educational Series event to discuss IRA planning for 2022. While a 401(k) is often people’s largest asset, IRAs are oftentimes their second largest asset. Chris Rett recently joined Dean Barber to break down IRA planning for people at various stages of their lives.
Video
10 Financial Spring Cleaning Tips
While it's February and has been cold, it’s time to talk about spring cleaning your finances. As you begin to gather all the necessary information to file your tax return, Dean Barber and Drew Jones are excited to give a few extra tips about things to look for to keep your finances in order.
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401(k) Planning for 2022
If your 401(k) isn’t already your largest asset, there’s a good chance that it could be very soon. It’s time to do some 401(k) planning for 2022, and Drew Jones and Dean Barber are here to help. They cover everything from a new employee choosing between a Roth and traditional 401(k) to decisions to make for people who are in their mid-working years, those approaching retirement, and retirees.
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Is Bitcoin Digital Gold?
With the popularity of cryptocurrency on the rise, Dean Barber sits down with Wayne Robinson to answer a question that has been on many peoples’ minds. Is Bitcoin digital gold?
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Preparing Financially for 2022
As 2021 comes to a close, Dean Barber and Bud Kasper highlight a few things to consider when preparing financially for 2022.
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Year-End Tax Planning for 2021
With 2022 right around the corner, now is the time to review year-end tax planning strategies for 2021. Dean Barber and JoAnn Huber share strategies to strongly consider for people who are still working, those who are four to five years from retirement, retirees, and for widows who lost their spouse within the past year.
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Financial Planning for the Holidays
Are you budgeting for a special gift this holiday season? Dean Barber and Drew Jones provide some tips on financial planning for the holidays.
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Financial Horror Stories
As the spookiness builds with Halloween on the horizon, Wayne Robinson & Dean Barber give their thoughts on some financial horror stories.
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Dr. Alan Molk Presents “Saving Lives, Saving Dignity”
In this webinar, Dr. Alan Molk tells the story of why he wrote his book, Saving Lives, Saving Dignity. He presents his background as an emergency room physician of 40 years, and why he believes having advanced health care directives is imperative for you and your family.
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Retiring at Market Highs
Dean Barber and Jason Newcomer look at the recent history of 60/40 portfolios and withdrawal rates by measuring inflation, bonds, and equities. They analyze every rolling 20-year period since 1972 to see how annually increasing withdrawal rates—while accounting for inflation—accommodated for a constant standard of living.
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Making a Big Purchase in Retirement
In this webinar, Dean and Logan discuss making a big purchase in retirement. Retirement is supposed to be that time of your life where you're doing all the things you want to do. Sometimes we see people foregoing things that they can do because they don't have the clarity they need.
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Roth Conversions Before & After Retirement
In this webinar, Dean and JoAnn discuss the best part of the tax code that was ever created, the Roth IRA. Specifically diving into Roth conversions both before and after retirement.
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Planning a Large Family Vacation
In this webinar, Dean Barber and Will Doty, CFP®, AIF®, discuss how many people's number one desire in retirement is to spend time with their loved ones. So, why not plan a large family vacation into your retirement plan? Join Dean and Will as they break down how they were able to do just that for their clients.
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10 Financial Planning Steps
In this webinar, Will Doty, CFP®, discusses reviews 10 Financial Planning Steps that are a basic overview of financial planning. These action items will benefit those early on in their career, approaching retirement, and anyone in between. Join us to ensure your taking the right steps in your financial journey.
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Financial Literacy: How Do You Stack Up?
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Dean Barber quizzes Logan DeGraeve on a recent financial literacy study from the TIAA Institute. Take the quiz yourself to see how you and Logan fared! If you didn't ace the quiz, that's OK. Our team of financial advisors is here to help.
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Claiming Your Social Security
In this webinar, Will Doty, CFP®, discusses the importance of properly claiming your Social Security. During this on-demand webinar, Will covers the differences in claiming strategies, spousal situations, the impact of Social Security on taxes, and more. This webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of how Social Security fits into your overall financial plan.
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Tax Reduction Strategies
In this webinar, Dean Barber and JoAnn Huber, CPA, CFP®, and Partner at Barber Financial Group, discuss tax reduction strategies and forward-looking tax planning. During this on-demand webinar, Dean and JoAnn cover the differences in Traditional and Roth accounts, charitable donations, the SECURE Act, Roth Conversions, and more tax reduction strategies. This webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of how taxes are different in retirement and how you might avoid some common pitfalls.
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Is a Will Enough?
In this webinar, Estate Planning Attorney Garrett Griffin, illustrates the differences in wills and trusts, what you can do to protect your legacy, and why it's important to develop your estate plan with your family in mind. You don't put together an estate plan for yourself, you do it for your loved ones.
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Steps to Reduce Your Cyber Security Risks
Wayne Robinson, Financial Planner at Barber Financial Group, discusses the complex world of cybersecurity. He'll cover some ways that you can eliminate up to 85% of your cybersecurity risks. The purpose of this webinar is to show you steps to reduce your cyber security risks and prevent yourself from being low-hanging fruit for nefarious online predators.
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Are You Fully Covered?
In this webinar, Darren Newell, Insurance Advisor, breaks down the intricacies of property and casualty insurance to address the question, "Are you fully covered?" The intention of the Are You Fully Covered? is to help people understand property and casualty insurance. What you need, and, just as important, what you don't need in coverage.
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ABCs of Medicare
Tom Allen, Insurance Consultant & Medicare Expert, breaks down the many letters of Medicare in this webinar. The intention of the ABCs of Medicare is to help people understand what Medicare Parts A & B cover, and more importantly, what they don't cover and what you need to do about it. You'll learn how the Medicare Open Enrollment Period actually works, how to find out what prescription drugs are covered under certain plans, what Parts C & D cover, and more.
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The SECURE Act & Your Retirement: An Expert Roundtable
Here's the truth: The SECURE Act has changed everything. You basically have three choices on where you can send your money when you pass on. It can be to a charity, the ones you love, or to the government. And the SECURE Act has basically ensured that if you do nothing, the third option will be your choice.
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Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers
Financial Advisor Drew Jones presents an updated version of our Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers webinar. IRA Planning is a complex process. Factor in recent changes from the SECURE Act, and it gets even further complicated. We're here to clear up the noise as Drew presents Savvy IRA Planning for Boomers.
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Retirement Plan Checklist
Financial Advisor Logan DeGraeve presents the Retirement Plan Checklist webinar. In this webinar, Logan will review some of the questions in the checklist as well as things you need to be thinking about in the years leading up to retirement.