Tag: Whittenburg Wealth Partners

Investing Beyond Politics: Navigating Turbulent Times with Austyn Whittenburg (Ep 48)

Investing Beyond Politics: Navigating Turbulent Times with Austyn Whittenburg (Ep 48)

Welcome to a special episode of the Wealth of Insight podcast with your host, Austyn Whittenburg. Get ready to dive into a crucial topic that impacts us all – politics and its intersection with investing. Austyn breaks down the historical relationship between political events and the market, revealing surprising insights that challenge common perceptions.

In this episode, Austyn covers:

  • The Market’s Impartial Stance: Explore how the market reacts to uncertainty and why it remains impartial to political affiliations.
  • Election Year Volatility: Understand the historical trends in the first five months of election years, and how the market tends to stabilize as election season progresses.
  • Long-Term Focus: Discover why keeping politics out of investing is crucial for long-term success, and how emotional decisions can be detrimental to your financial goals.
  • Historical Performance: Delve into the historical performance of the market under different political administrations, highlighting that markets have seen positive returns in most election years.
  • Diversification Strategies: Austin emphasizes the importance of diversification in a long-term investment strategy and how it can help navigate market volatility.
  • Practical Insights: Gain practical advice on how to build portfolios that anticipate volatility and market changes, rather than reacting impulsively.

Join Austyn as he brings a wealth of insight into separating political noise from sound investment decisions. Don’t let the uncertainty of politics dictate your financial future – empower yourself with knowledge and make informed choices.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Reach out to Austyn at Whittenburg Wealth Partners’ website or text him at 801-839-7056. Subscribe and share the Wealth of Insight podcast with your friends and family for more valuable financial wisdom. Remember, your financial journey starts with informed decisions.

 

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2024: What We’re Watching (Ep. 47)

2024: What We’re Watching (Ep. 47)

What will 2024 look like?

Let’s talk about our anticipations for 2024 and what we’re keeping our eyes on.

Austyn Whittenburg goes over the economic forecast for 2024. He tackles the question of an impending recession and provides insights into stock and bond market trends, all while considering the influence of global events.

Austyn discusses:

  • The economic outlook for 2024
  • What he anticipates the potential recession will look like
  • Stock and Bond market trends 
  • Considerations around geopolitical factors
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

 

The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.

Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

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

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

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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How the Top 1% Compare to the Rest of America (Ep.44)

How the Top 1% Compare to the Rest of America (Ep.44)

What does it take to join the top 1% of America? How much richer are they compared to the average American?

Let’s find out.

In this episode, Austyn Whittenburg discusses wealth accumulation trends and the net worth of different population percentiles. 

Using Federal Reserve data, Austyn highlights the rise in home values and car prices, and the impact of education on net worth. He also discusses the influence of different levels of education in you and your family’s financial planning processes. 

Austyn discusses:

  • The impact of education on American’s net worth
  • Key findings from the Federal Reserve about the American wealth divide
  • The difference between median and mean net worth + how this difference can create misleading headlines
  • Various statistics surrounding the different income classes of America
  • And more

 

Resources

https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf23.pdf

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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

 

Resources

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

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!

Resources

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

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

 

Resources

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

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!

 

Resources

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg:

 

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

 

Resources

Connect with Austyn Whittenburg: