Tag: Financial Planning

Is Inflation Really Decreasing? Exploring the Impact on Inflation Prices (Ep. 46)

Is Inflation Really Decreasing? Exploring the Impact on Inflation Prices (Ep. 46)

Is inflation really “going down”? But why are prices still so high? 

Let’s discuss the difference between inflation rates and prices affected by inflation while highlighting a possible silver lining of the situation!

This week, Austyn Whittenburg discusses the impact of inflation on personal finances and the new tax brackets for 2024. He clarifies misconceptions around inflation and prices, explaining that while inflation may decrease, prices are still increasing. 

Additionally, he discusses the many new opportunities 2024 has to offer to minimize your tax burden as much as possible and how to start taking advantage of them!

Austyn discusses:

  • One of the most common misconceptions about inflation and how it is “decreasing”
  • The Silver Lining: New Tax Brackets for 2024
  • Incoming changes in capital gains tax rates, estate tax, and gifting rules
  • Increased contribution limits for 401K and IRA accounts
  • And more

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Achieving the Modern Day American Dream (Ep.45)

Achieving the Modern Day American Dream (Ep.45)

The conversation about the impact of education on future income continues! 

In this episode, Austyn Whittenberg discusses the income thresholds for being in the top 10% and top 1% of earners in the United States. He highlights the impact of education on income, stating that college graduates earn significantly more than those with only a high school degree. 

Austyn also discusses the relativity of wealth based on location and lifestyle. This episode aims to enlighten you about the relevance of a college degree in increasing income and achieving higher income levels. 

Austyn discusses:

  • A deeper analysis of the impact of education on income levels
  • The different income thresholds in the United States as of 2023
  • The relativity of wealth & why income levels feel different depending on where you live
  • The American Dream: What does it take to achieve this in the modern day?
  • And more

 

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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!

 

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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Most Common Mistakes In Financial Planning (Ep.26)

Most Common Mistakes In Financial Planning (Ep.26)

For some people, their biggest regret when it comes to financial planning is not starting early enough. 

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg covers the most common mistakes people make when financial planning and how to avoid them.

Austyn discusses:

  • Living beyond your means
  • Not taking advantage of employers’ 401k matching
  • Being uninsured on life insurance
  • The worry of not having an estate plan
  • The mistake of trying to time the market
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Austyn Whittenburg:

Whittenburg Wealth Partners and LPL Financial do not offer legal advice or services. This material contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your insurance specialist. Dollar-cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities. An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

A Financial Forecast For 2023 (Ep.24)

A Financial Forecast For 2023 (Ep.24)

You can potentially expect the economy to slow down even a little bit more in 2023, from what you’ve experienced in 2022. Specifically, if you’re looking at the global economy it might be around the 2% range.

But wouldn’t it be helpful to have a crystal ball that would tell you exactly what to expect in the new year?

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg answers some of the common questions his clients are asking at this time of year and shares a 2023 outlook as it relates to the economy stock market.

Austyn discusses:

  • If the economy is headed in the direction of a recession
  • Why the rising interest rates are contributing to the slowing of the economy
  • The worst year for bonds and why a recovery is expected in the new year
  • And more

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The Flip Side Of Inflation With Nikko Denis (Ep.23)

The Flip Side Of Inflation With Nikko Denis (Ep.23)

While most people are nervous about the cost of living due to inflation, there are some who look at the benefits of inflation on the markets and individual employment.

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg speaks with Nikko Denis, branch manager at Intercap Lending, on the alternative implications of inflation. Nikko reveals how inflation has forced real estate sellers to compromise, why housing prices still haven’t dropped and what those concessions mean for the future real estate market.

Nikko discusses:

  • Where the real estate market currently sits due to inflation
  • How inflation impacts real estate pricing and mortgage rates
  • Why the current market remains a sellers market over a buyers market
  • The connection between rising inflation and unemployment numbers
  • And more

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Connect With Nikko Denis:

About Our Guest:

At Intercap Lending, Nikko Denis is backed by in-house processing, underwriting and closing to guarantee a smooth and timely transaction. He works with first time home buyers all the way up to multi-million dollar clients and everything in between. Every client has different needs and in an ever changing market it’s difficult to know all of your options. Nikko prides himself in taking his client’s interest to heart and showing them all possible options for their situation now, and in the future.

Breaking Down The Mystery of Life Insurance With Andy Brim (Ep.7)

Breaking Down The Mystery of Life Insurance With Andy Brim (Ep.7)

Many people will tell you that life insurance is just for when you die. But while there is more to it than that, life insurance can be daunting. 

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg is joined by Andy Brim, regional sales vice president at Dixon Wells. He breaks down the mystery of life insurance to help you feel protected. He will share how you can start using life insurance to your advantage.

Andy discusses:

  • The different products of life insurance and its benefits
  • Why it’s important to talk with your financial advisor about your life insurance
  • How high net worth clients are utilizing their life insurance policy
  • Getting tax free benefits from your life insurance plan
  • And more

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Connect With Andy Brim:

About Our Guest:

Andy Brim brings over 25 years of experience in multiple facets of financial services. His focus on advisor revenue growth strategies make him a valuable asset to the Dixon Wells team. Andy has extensive experience in life, annuity, and LTC sales. He is constantly working to help each advisor build sources of revenue and improve overall client service. Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University.

Andy Brim and Dixon Wells are not affiliated with or endorsed by Whittenburg Wealth Partners, Stratos Wealth Partners, or LPL Financial.

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. 

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

Is It Ever Too Late To Start Planning For Retirement? With Rick Gallacher (Ep.5)

Is It Ever Too Late To Start Planning For Retirement? With Rick Gallacher (Ep.5)

It’s never too late to start planning for your retirement or is it?

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg is joined by Rick Gallacher to discuss some strategies he uses when crafting financial plans with his clients. He also shares how he can work with you to potentially optimize your plan.

Austyn discusses:

  • Why you should start paying your bills automatically
  • How much money should be in your emergency savings
  • When is it considered too late to plan for retirement
  • Where you should consider keeping your money
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

Connect with Rick Gallacher:

About Our Guest:

Rick Gallacher has experience in the areas of financial modeling, asset allocation, investment selection, estate planning, personal risk management, holistic situation auditing and personal financial reporting. As a licensed CPA, he has proficiency in understanding and applying analysis to the overall economy, capital markets, corporate fundamentals, personal taxation and essential business law.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities. An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.