Category: Education

Financially Smart Things To Do Before You Travel (Ep.43)

Financially Smart Things To Do Before You Travel (Ep.43)

Looking to plan your next getaway without breaking the bank or relying on credit cards? 🏖️

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg discusses the many financially smart ways to travel. Listen and learn about the importance of planning, budgeting, and using credit cards with travel perks to avoid going into debt. 

Austyn shares insight through his own experiences and strategies, such as setting up a travel fund, using various tools for cost-effective options, and taking advantage of credit card benefits like free checked bags, TSA PreCheck, and companion certificates. He also advises on avoiding international transaction fees and the benefits of using a travel agent.

Austyn discusses:

  • Common misconceptions about traveling in the modern day
  • The process of setting up a “travel slush fund”
  • How to find the right credit card with the best travel perks for your needs abroad
  • How to avoid unnecessary travel expenses (International ATMs, booking your flights too late, and so much more!)
  • And more

 

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Gridiron to Goldmine (Ep.42)

Gridiron to Goldmine (Ep.42)

Think you know the NFL?

While athletes sprint on the field, there’s another game being played off the field – one of billions.

Venture beyond the scoreboard as Austyn Whittenburg unravels the sophisticated dance of dollars behind every touchdown and tackle in the NFL, along with the staggering influence of sports on global economies and our everyday lives. Prepare to challenge what you thought you knew about sports economics.

Throughout the episode, Austin covers:

  • Why the NFL is still the undisputed champion of TV broadcasts 
  • How the NFL’s strict salary cap stands against the unrestricted dynamics of European soccer
  • Why titans like ESPN and Amazon are betting big bucks on sports broadcasts
  • How cities like Las Vegas score big with NFL betting
  • And more!

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All companies, organizations, and teams mentioned are not affiliated with or endorsed by Whittenburg Wealth Partners or LPL Financial.

Exploring Employee Stock Options and Restricted Stock (Ep.41)

Exploring Employee Stock Options and Restricted Stock (Ep.41)

Did you know that around 14 million employees in the US are covered by stock option plans?

Let’s find out what these options in your compensation plan have to offer you!

In this episode, Austyn Whittenberg discusses the benefits, taxation, and considerations of employee stock options and restricted stock. He explains key terms related to stock options and highlights the increasing prevalence of these options in companies, particularly in the technology sector. 

Austyn also discusses the taxation of non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options, as well as the risks associated with exercising stock options and making elections related to restricted stock. 

Austyn discusses:

  • Stock options vocabulary: Grant date, vesting date, exercise price, expiration date
  • How your stock options will be taxed 
  • How to decide whether stock options as part of your compensations makes sense for you
  • Qualified, incentive, and restricted stock options: What are they? What’s the difference between them?
  • And more

 

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This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

Ready to school your student loans? (Ep. 40)

Ready to school your student loans? (Ep. 40)

Feeling overwhelmed by student loans? 

You’re not alone.

Join Austyn Whittenburg of Whittenburg Wealth Partners as he dives deep into the complicated world of student loans in the United States. From discussing the COVID-19 pause on repayments to the latest Supreme Court rulings, Austyn breaks down what you need to know to make informed decisions about your student loan debt.

In this can’t-miss episode, Austyn grapples with:

  • How the staggering $1.77 trillion in student loan debt impacts YOU
  • What you need to know about repayment options to maximize your advantage
  • What is the SAFE plan and why should you care?
  • Can the one-year “On-Ramp” period actually salvage your credit score?
  • And more!

 

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Bonds: Not Just for Your Grandparents! Exploring the Exciting World of Fixed Income (Ep.39)

Bonds: Not Just for Your Grandparents! Exploring the Exciting World of Fixed Income (Ep.39)

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again now: There is no such thing as a dumb question when learning how to invest your money. 

Today, we’re answering the questions you’re too afraid to ask about bonds.

In this episode, host Austyn Whittenberg discusses different types of bonds and bond terms. He explains that bonds are issued by companies or governments to raise money, and investors lend money and receive interest payments in return. 

He then categorizes bonds into investment grade and high yield, and also discusses municipal bonds and US Treasuries. They emphasize the importance of understanding bond yield and how it affects the potential return on investment. 

Austyn discusses:

  • The difference between municipal bonds and US treasuries
  • Various terms used when discussing bonds and what they mean
  • The importance of bond yield: What it is & how to read it for your investing advantage
  • The yield curve and its implications: What the different curves mean for the state of the economy
  • And more

 

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Questions You’re Afraid To Ask: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, and Beyond! (Ep.38)

Questions You’re Afraid To Ask: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, and Beyond! (Ep.38)

Stocks, bonds, ETFs, oh my! What’s the difference between all these anyway?

In this episode, Austyn Whittenberg discusses the difference between stocks and bonds. Austyn also emphasizes the importance of diversification and having a combination of both stocks and bonds in investment portfolios. 

He also delves into the difference between actively managed and passively managed funds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and highlights the benefits of each.

Austyn discusses:

  • The pros and cons of stocks and bonds (+ how to find out which one is best for your needs!)
  • What it means when an advisor says they are passively vs. actively managing investments and which one you should ask for in your next advising session
  • Getting the most bang for your buck!–Everything you need to know about ETFs
  • And more

 

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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ (Ep.37)

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ (Ep.37)

You may have heard the term S&P 500 or NASDAQ thrown around when discussing diversifying and growing your portfolio. But what do these index funds mean for your portfolio?

In this episode, Austyn focuses on three major investment options and explores what questions clients often don’t think about when it comes to the Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ. He dives into how each index has unique characteristics and serves different purposes within investment plans.

Austyn discusses:

  • Why clients should learn about the Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ
  • How each index fund is calculated as an investment asset
  • What are the differences between the three index funds and how do those differences impact investment portfolios 
  • Why the media focuses on Dow over the S&P 500s consistent performance
  • And more

 

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Exploring Creative Strategies to Demolish Your Debt (Ep.36)

Exploring Creative Strategies to Demolish Your Debt (Ep.36)

If you’re like the average American, you have debt, and possibly don’t know where to begin when wanting to efficiently pay it off.

In this episode of the Wealth of Insight podcast, Austyn Whittenberg tackles the pressing issue of American debt. He shares valuable strategies for managing and reducing debt. From budgeting to the 50-30-20 rule, they provide practical tips to regain control of your finances. 

They also discuss the importance of paying more than the minimum on credit cards and utilizing the debt snowball method. Don’t let debt hold you back any longer – tune in to this episode for expert advice and take the first step towards financial freedom.

Austyn discusses:

  • Recent statistics about American debt–finding out where you stand in the statistics
  • The first steps you can take to get out of significant credit card debt (getting back on track to achieving your financial objectives!)
  • What order to pay off your debt in including: student loans, credit card debt, mortgages and more
  • How to use the strategy of the “debt snowball” and how it’s already helped people in your situation
  • And more

 

Resources: 

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Spending with Purpose: Aligning Your Values and Financial Goals (Ep.35)

Spending with Purpose: Aligning Your Values and Financial Goals (Ep.35)

Are you haunted by a constant sense of guilt every time you spend money?

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg dives into the phenomenon of spending guilt, unraveling its underlying causes and exploring practical strategies to overcome it. Join him as he uncovers the secrets to finding financial balance, transforming negative money mindsets, and embracing a guilt-free approach to spending. 

Get ready to liberate yourself from the shackles of guilt and reclaim your joy in managing your finances.

Austyn discusses:

  • Lifestyle creep: what it is and how it can become a danger to your financial goals
  • The importance of finding a balance in your finances
  • The 50/50 rule: what it is and how to use it
  • What some of the sources of spending guilt are and how to combat against them
  • And more

 

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7 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Financial Planning (Ep.34)

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Financial Planning (Ep.34)

Mistakes are inevitable. Some can be overlooked but in financial planning, one mistake can have a big impact on your financial future.

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg shares seven of the most common mistakes he sees people making in their financial planning. He explains each mistake and what you can do to avoid making them.

Austyn discusses:

  • How the retirement stage in our life cycle has evolved as life expectancy climbs
  • The ways fraud and scams have changed since the emergence of AI
  •  Why portfolio diversification can have a massive impact on your results
  • The importance of starting your financial plan as soon as possible
  • And more

 

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