Posts in Investments
Finance in a Flash: Insurance Planning Series: Life Insurance

In this episode of Finance In A Flash, we begin our Insurance Planning Series by discussing Life Insurance. We believe that life insurance serves an integral role in a family's overall financial health and answer important questions about life insurance including:

  • What are some reasons someone would need life insurance?

  • How much life insurance does someone need and what are factors when determining this?

  • Why is it a good idea to get life insurance sooner rather than later?

  • What is the difference between term and permanent life insurance?

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Finance in a Flash: Should I Buy Dividend Paying Stocks To Supplement My Income?

In this episode of Finance In A Flash we discuss a simple, yet popular question; “Should I buy dividend-paying stocks to supplement my income?” The answer to this question varies on a person-by-person basis, but for most, the answer is a resounding no. Let us explain on this podcast!

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Finance in a Flash: Financial Jargon

On this episode of Finance In A Flash Nick & Chip discuss Financial Jargon. They break down common words used in the finance industry, that people may have heard before, but don’t actually know what they mean! They go over terms such as asset allocation, stocks, risk tolerance, personal brokerage accounts, and market capitalization just to name a few!

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Finance in a Flash: ETFs vs. Mutual Funds

In this episode of Finance In A Flash, Nick & Chip discuss the most popular types of investment vehicles in the world, Mutual Funds & ETFs. What are the differences between the two and are there advantages or disadvantages to using them? In addition, they spend a lot of time talking about the tax efficiency of ETFs and how Mutual Funds can be incredibly tax-inefficient at times.

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Finance in a Flash: Is There A bubble In The Stock Market?

This week we tackle a very important and popular question people are asking: "Is there a bubble in stocks or the stock market?" We also discuss various strategies you should take and questions you should ask yourself when feeling uncertain about the future of the stock market.

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Finance in a Flash: The Story of Gamestop and Important Lessons Learne‪d‬

In this episode of Finance In A Flash, Nick & Chip discuss the story of Gamestop and how it has captivated the world over the past week. Thanks to a Reddit thread pointing out that a large hedge fund had a massive short position on Gamestop, the stock price rose almost 2,000% within a week! We break down how this happened and the important lessons everyone should take away from these recent events.

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Finance in a Flash: What Are Target Date Funds?

Welcome back to Finance In A Flash, this week we bring back our investment expert, Chip Hymiller to discuss Target Date Funds. We have a detailed discussion about Target Date Funds, the pros and cons of having them in your portfolio, and what to consider when choosing this type of investment.

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Will You Retire in 2021?

Have you decided to retire in 2021? If so, congratulations—it’s a big step and for most, it’s a once in a lifetime decision. Even if you’ve planned ahead, you may still be a little apprehensive about this monumental life transition. Here are a few last minute things to consider or confirm as you embark on this new and wonderful journey.

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2020 Year In Review—One that will not soon be forgotten!

I don’t think any of us realized how many things in our life that we take for granted—that is not until 2020. Boy oh boy, there have been some seismic changes in our world! For the most part, every aspect of daily life has been altered for many households.

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Stocks Move in “Bursts”

Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could invest your money and earn a consistent 0.85% every month (10.25% each year)? Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that stocks often move in abrupt bursts. These bursts of volatility can lead to high stress, doubts, or even unrealistic return expectations.

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Headline Risk

In today’s connected world, headline risk is everywhere! As harmless as headline risk may seem, it can represent a huge deterrent in making progress towards long term financial goals. 

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Finance in a Flash: How Does Your Cash Flow Impact Your Retirement Plan?

On this episode of Finance In A Flash, we talk through cash flow and the enormous impact it can have on your retirement plan. To help walk us through this important topic we bring back our tax and planning expert Erin Campbell. Throughout this episode we discuss the three phases of retirement, common cash-flow myths, and much more!

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Common, Life-Altering Financial Mistakes

Unfortunately, we have been around long enough to have seen people make some serious financial mistakes. Mistakes that can have life-altering consequences. Helping people knock the dust off and pick up the pieces is not fun. If there is a bright spot in going through these difficult times with clients, it is that our current and future clients get to benefit from the knowledge we gain from having helped clients during these setbacks.

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Finance In a Flash: 401ks and FAQs

On this episode of Finance In A Flash, Nick and Chip discuss the importance of contributing to 401k's and their benefits. They go through 401k frequently asked questions, tax benefits of 401k's, and have a quick discussion on how you should view investment options within your 401k plan. Chip and Nick then discuss what you should do if you have an old or inactive 401k plan and whether or not you should consider rolling it over to your new 401k plan or roll it over into an IRA. Lastly, always remember to check your beneficiary designations on your 401k plans!

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Beacon Financial Strategies' Market and Planning Update Webinar 4th Quarter 2020

Here is a replay of our October 20, 2020 webinar. During this webinar we discuss: observations on 2020 market performance, thoughts heading into the election cycle, tax planning opportunities as we head into the end of the year, and what have we learned from 2020. All followed up with a Q&A!

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