Talking Money

Highlights from the show originally aired February 5, 2022 What is the supply chain shortage all about? Tim Guin, CCO and Executive Vice President of USA Truck, joins Mike to discuss the ins and outs of the trucking and shipping industry. We see so many trucks on the road, but hear about a driver shortage. What […]

Mike answers a number of questions related to the current market volatility and general investing: Is it still safe to invest in the stock market? Is it less risky to invest now? Are there any particular sectors or stocks to consider investing in? How should an investor react to the ups and downs in the […]

Alan Cox, Director of Estate/Trust Planning and Estate Settlement at Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to answer several listener questions: How does the age of death affect the beneficiary’s claiming requirements? What if no beneficiary was named? Is there still a 10 year rule? Does the age of the beneficiary matter?

What is the bucket approach to retirement planning? How do you adjust for inflation? How can you determine your personal inflation rate? What factors come into play? Which bucket should I focus on? What are some different vehicles we use for income? What are some other ways to try to retain income security in retirement?

Erik Daniels, Executive Vice President and Family Wealth Advisor for Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to discuss financial lessons he has learned throughout life. He also talks about how he met Ron Blue and got involved in the company at the very beginning of its existence. They discuss some of these questions and ideas: What […]

Highlights from show originally aired January 15, 2022 Mike is joined by Nick Stonestreet, CEO of Ronald Blue Trust. They discuss a “Mission Accomplished” story shared recently by a radio listener. A caller asks a question about inflation and where that may be headed, and Nick and Mike share their opinions on that. They also […]

Highlights from show originally aired January 8, 2022. In this episode, Mike looks back on some past listener questions that still get asked frequently today: When exactly do I need to start taking my required minimum distribution (RMD)? What is the best way to take that RMD? Has the age requirement changed? How does the […]

What is the importance of researching the companies you are investing in or the firms you are using to invest for you? Beware those who show you past performances and promise the same future returns. Ask where they invested 5, 10, 15 years ago. Remember: no one can accurately predict the market! Make a plan […]

What is a stock? What is a bond? How do they work? Stocks: what they are and how they work. Stockholder owns part of the company. Stocks are sold at an auction, so the price does not reflect the value of the company. Your money doesn’t actually go to the company. Bonds: you are investing […]

Do you know your risk tolerance? Mike looks at several questions, and your answers may surprise you. Due to a general market correction, the price of one of your investments decreases 14% a short time after you buy it, what would you do? Sell it, so you don’t have to worry about if it continues […]

Bob Ward, estate and tax planning attorney with offices in Vancouver and Maryland, joins Mike to discuss various aspects of estate planning, especially as it relates to taxes. How does the tax system affect estate planning? What is the gift and estate tax exemption? What is a trust and how does it impact estate planning? […]

Mark Elam, Senior Investment Strategist at Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to discuss various market concerns from the Ukraine crisis to inflation. What is the difference between and CD and a treasury bond, bill, or note? Inflation: we see it everywhere. How high will it go? How long will it last? What should I do? […]

Eddie Holland joins Mike again to discuss more about Social Security and Medicare. They answer a number of listener questions, including: Why might you delay taking Social Security? What about taking it early? How would the survivor benefit play into that consideration? Is there any penalty for someone who has not yet reached full retirement […]

Eddie Holland, CFP®, CPA/PFS, CKA®, joins Mike to discuss Social Security. They answer the following questions: If I’m going to collect social security and continue working, how do they calculate the amount taken out for social security and when do they look at that? How much of your social security will be considered as taxable […]

Tim Guin of USA Truck joins Mike again to answer more listener questions and shares some of his story. How do trucking companies try to mitigate risk of high dollar law suits? What equipment is on semi trucks to help prevent accidents? How has the chip shortage affected the trucking industry? What is the drug […]

Highlights from show originally aired December 4, 2021 What does the Bible say about money? John Dodd, Senior Private Wealth Advisor in the Nashville office of Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to discuss how you can develop a biblical relationship with money. Money is a tool God gives us to grow His kingdom. It is […]

What is the supply chain shortage all about? Tim Guin, CCO and Executive Vice President of USA Truck, joins Mike to discuss the ins and outs of the trucking and shipping industry. We see so many trucks on the road, but hear about a driver shortage. What explains this? What is the Amazon effect? California […]

Highlights from show originally aired November 6, 2021 Mark Elam, Senior Investment Strategist at Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to discuss some important considerations to think about regarding your investments. They answer four listener questions: Is it hard to create my own portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and Mutual Funds? Is there a significant difference between […]

In this episode of Talking Money, Mike answers questions related to tax planning and more: Can you itemize deductions? What are the different thresholds for being able to itemize? What is “bunching deductions” and how does that work? What about using a donor advised fund for charitable giving? Why doesn’t it work to put municipal […]

Mike is joined by Nick Stonestreet, CEO of Ronald Blue Trust. They discuss a “Mission Accomplished” story shared recently by a radio listener. A caller asks a question about inflation and where that may be headed, and Nick and Mike share their opinions on that. They also discuss some ideas for how to weather financial […]