Articles and Videos

How Do Financial Advisor Fees Actually Work?- Season 5: Episode 10
Managing Your Financial Future

How Do Financial Advisor Fees Actually Work?- Season 5: Episode 10

May 4, 2021

One of the most common questions people ask us when they’re considering the services of an investment advisor and/or financial planner is this: “what will this cost me in terms of fees?” The question of how much an advisor charges, not just for their own services but for the team and others working alongside him or her, is one that you absolutely must get an answer for. And that answer should be clear, concise, and spelled out in simplistic form so that there’s no mistaking who’s getting paid, how much they’re getting paid, and who is actually responsible for paying them. Everyone should be paid for the work they do and the value they may add – you just need to be sure there are no surprises.
Bitcoin, Bias, and Millennials – Interview with Colin Slabach (Part 1) -Season 1: Episode 10
Capitalize

Bitcoin, Bias, and Millennials – Interview with Colin Slabach (Part 1) -Season 1: Episode 10

May 3, 2021

Part 1 of our interview with Colin Slabach, assistant professor of retirement.  Today’s topics are many and varied: Bitcoin – what are the red flags when considering an investment in Bitcoin, and in cryptocurrency in general? Bias in investing – Recency Bias and Confirmation Bias are everywhere.  What does this mean in the world of investing? Millennials and money – what the younger set of investors should consider for their future. All that, and much more, on today’s episode of CAPitalize, the podcast for the intelligent investor!
What Might Trigger a Tax Audit?
Articles

What Might Trigger a Tax Audit?

April 29, 2021

For taxpayers, an audit notice is perhaps the scariest part of the entire tax-filing process. Even more than having to write a large check at filing time, the thought of being audited is for  many people worse. You may be almost entirely sure you’ve done nothing wrong, but still… that notice in the mail. This is why it’s good to know what might trigger a tax audit ahead of time. The odds of an audit are very low, when given the entirety of the American taxpaying public, but if you know what they may be looking for, and what actions may color your return a deeper shade of red, you may be able to avoid those triggers.
3 Generous Tax Law Benefits You Didn’t Know Existed- Season 5: Episode 9
Managing Your Financial Future

3 Generous Tax Law Benefits You Didn’t Know Existed- Season 5: Episode 9

April 27, 2021

Taxes can be scary. Whether you’re anticipating a big tax bill this year, or you’re fretting about a tax deadline that’s coming up, or you’re concerned that you’re overpaying but can’t find a way out of it.  On top of that, the tax code is insanely large and complicated. But oddly enough, the tax code also gives us some good things — a few benefits that just may help allay some of those concerns. Learn more about 3 of those benefits,
How Do You Know When You Can Retire?- Season 5: Episode 8
Managing Your Financial Future

How Do You Know When You Can Retire?- Season 5: Episode 8

April 20, 2021

If you’ve been planning on working until a certain age (62? 65? later?), but you find that you are a) overwhelmed by stress at work, and b) a number of years short of that “required” age, are you still able to retire? This is a question that financial advisors and planners deal with every day. How do you know when you’re really able to hang it all up? Maybe your portfolio balance hasn’t reached the number you’ve always figured was the minimum amount you’d need. There’s a chance, given certain generous tax laws and some basic strategy techniques, that you may be able to retire well before you thought you could.
Advice for Those Who Want Financial Success – Interview with Craig Israelsen -Season 1: Episode 9
Capitalize

Advice for Those Who Want Financial Success – Interview with Craig Israelsen -Season 1: Episode 9

April 19, 2021

What’s the most important piece of advice for those that want financial success?  As we continue the interview with Craig Israelsen, founder of the “Seven-12 portfolio,” our own Christopher Panagiotu, CFP®, CRPS® talks about what Craig would say to those who have a vested interest in achieving their own financial goals.  What is low correlation?  Why is it valuable?   Educating you on the important topics of the day – and more – on this week’s edition of CAPitalize, the podcast for the intelligent investor!
What Is an “Alternative” Investment?
Articles

What Is an “Alternative” Investment?

April 16, 2021

Diversification is not just a financial industry buzzword; it’s often an important part of just about anyone’s financial strategy.  A common form is a simple one: stocks, bonds, and cash.  But is that true diversification?  For some people, that may work just fine.  Others, though, may want to consider a little extra: something known as an “alternative investment.” Whether these are suitable for an individual investor, though, depends on several factors.  So before you jump into anything non-traditional, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into and why.
Annuities 101: Understanding the Basics- Season 5: Episode 7
Managing Your Financial Future

Annuities 101: Understanding the Basics- Season 5: Episode 7

April 13, 2021

Of all the financial products available to consumers, it is the annuity that is perhaps the most misunderstood. The initial concept of the annuity — you give money to an insurance company, they pay you some, or all, of that money back (and maybe more) over time — is rather simple. But over they years they’ve become more complex, with more features, more options, and (yes) in some cases, more fees. Whether an annuity is suitable for you will depend on many factors. But it’s never a good idea to own an annuity (or anything else) without understanding what you’re getting and why it’s been recommended to you.

Why Having Multiple Sources of Retirement Income May Be Best
Articles

Why Having Multiple Sources of Retirement Income May Be Best

April 8, 2021

If you’ve ever thought about how you’ll be able to have enough income to make it through retirement, you’re not alone.  Many people are concerned about potential future cuts to Social Security, as well as a continuation of low interest rates — both of which can impact your income at retirement. This is why it may be a good idea to consider having multiple sources of income once you’ve stopped working.  But how do you do that? And what form should that income take?
Do You Really Owe Taxes When You Give Someone a Gift?- Season 5: Episode 6
Managing Your Financial Future

Do You Really Owe Taxes When You Give Someone a Gift?- Season 5: Episode 6

April 6, 2021

Have you heard of the “Gift Tax?” Many people are at least familiar with the term, but relatively few know how, when, or where it might be applied. You probably give gifts all the time: some small, some not so small, and some maybe quite large, as for example a downpayment on a home for your son or daughter.  Generosity certainly has its benefits, but is there also a tax that someone should be paying? The answer is both yes and no. And it all depends on a few factors. Knowing how the gift tax works can be especially helpful when it comes time to pass your assets down to your heirs, and if you’re worth a lot of money, it’s even more vital that you understand how it works.
Are Stocks, Mutual Funds or ETFs Good? – Interview with Craig Israelsen -Season 1: Episode 8
Capitalize

Are Stocks, Mutual Funds or ETFs Good? – Interview with Craig Israelsen -Season 1: Episode 8

April 5, 2021

What are the best steps for people to take to learn how to invest?  And – do you like salsa?  If so, this episode is for you! In finance, as in many other fields, knowledge is power.  And when you’re speaking with someone in academics, it’s an almost sure bet that you’re going to get answers to questions you have, while at the same time learning some valuable lessons.  In this episode of CAPitalize, Christopher Panagiotu, CFP®, CRPS®,  speaks with Professor Craig Israelsen, founder of the “Seven-12 portfolio”. We answer questions that need to be asked: What’s the difference between an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) and a stock?  And what do terms like “low correlation” mean?  And what’s the important piece of advice for those who desire financial success?