Are you still relying on traditional tax preparation methods or software? In this episode, John, Tommy, and special guest Rachel Meredith from Banks Mountain Financial dive into the crucial difference between tax planning and simple tax preparation. They explain why a proactive, year-round tax strategy is key to long-term financial success, as well as how their seamless collaboration helps clients navigate tax challenges with a forward-thinking approach.

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Are you paying the right price for financial advice? Join Ben, Michael, John, and Tommy as they break down the complexities of financial advisor fees and the real value behind them. They’ll reveal the “all-in” costs clients face and explain why fees aren’t always comparable, shedding light on what makes a financial advisor worth their price. Through this episode, you’ll learn to assess the true worth of specialized advisors and why experience, like that of a seasoned CFP or CPA, might demand a higher price tag.

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What happens when emotions mix with investments? In this episode, we dive into the intersection of politics, markets, and personal finance. John and Tommy share insights on how to design a portfolio that minimizes unknowns, regardless of political changes. You’ll learn why staying the course is crucial—even when market predictions seem tempting—and how a solid, long-term strategy can help you avoid emotional pitfalls.

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Are you a federal employee planning for retirement but feeling overwhelmed by your options? In this episode, Michael, Ben, Tommy, and John break down the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), explaining key retirement benefits and strategies to maximize your pension. From the differences between immediate retirements to the role of sick leave and survivor benefits, this episode covers what you need to know.

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What happens to your estate planning documents when you move between states? In this episode, Megan Ingram and Julie Steinbacher from Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak share expert advice on the legal implications of relocating and how it affects your estate plan. You'll learn about the importance of keeping your documents updated, especially after major life changes or moves, and how laws like the Uniform Trust Act help estate documents travel across state lines.

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Are you confused about when to refinance your mortgage or how interest rates affect your decisions? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben dive into critical financial topics for federal retirees navigating today's housing market. You'll learn about the challenges of refinancing, when it's a good idea, and when you might want to hold off. They also explore discount points, what makes buying a home more difficult now than in the past, and how to prepare for future market changes.

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Are you truly prepared for the unexpected? In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John dive into how to protect yourself financially, tackling the common objections and biases they encounter in their decades of experience. You’ll hear key insights on insurance, including how to ensure you’re covered before you need it, how FEGLI Option B compares to Basic, and why life and disability insurance are non-negotiable. Listen in to learn why it's crucial to plan both for living a long, fulfilling life and the unexpected realities that could happen tomorrow.

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What’s the best way to maximize your Social Security benefits? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into this critical topic with expert Elaine Floyd, CFP®, who shares insights from her extensive experience in retirement and life planning. Elaine explains the intricacies of Social Security, emphasizing that your benefit and retirement strategy should be tailored to your unique situation, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

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