• Episode 288 - How to Maximize Your HSA
    Feb 17 2025

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the importance and benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). He explains the qualifications for opening an HSA, the contribution limits, and the unique triple tax advantage that HSAs offer. Ryan emphasizes the potential for long-term growth and the importance of investing the funds within an HSA for future medical expenses, especially in retirement. He also highlights common misconceptions about HSAs and encourages listeners to take advantage of this financial tool for better health expense management.

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    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a triple tax advantage.
    To qualify for an HSA, you must have a high deductible health plan.
    You can contribute up to $4,300 annually as an individual.
    HSAs allow for tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
    90% of Americans do not invest their HSA funds.
    HSAs can be used for medical expenses in retirement.
    Investing in an HSA can lead to significant long-term growth.
    Medical expenses are a constant concern in retirement planning.
    It's important to understand the difference between HSAs and FSAs.
    Utilizing HSAs effectively can lead to better financial health.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Health Savings Accounts
    03:14 Understanding the Triple Tax Advantage
    06:03 Long-Term Benefits of HSAs

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    10 mins
  • Episode 287 - Tariffs 101
    Feb 10 2025

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins delve into the complex topic of tariffs, exploring their definition, implications, and effects on businesses and the economy. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of tariffs, including their impact on consumer prices and the risk of trade wars. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and preparing for economic volatility, particularly for small businesses and investors.

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    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    A tariff is a tax on imported goods.
    Tariffs can generate revenue and potentially boost U.S. employment.
    Increased tariffs may lead to higher consumer prices.
    Trade wars can arise from tariff implementations.
    Smaller businesses are likely to be hit harder by tariffs.
    Economic models are complicated due to numerous variables.
    Investors should focus on long-term strategies.
    Maintaining liquidity is essential during volatile times.
    Market reactions to tariff announcements are immediate.
    Understanding your balance sheet is crucial for financial planning.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Tariffs: An Introduction
    02:00 The Good and Bad of Tariffs
    04:50 Impact on Businesses and Trade Wars
    09:05 Navigating Economic Volatility and Investment Strategies

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    14 mins
  • Episode 286 - The 5 Principles of Investing
    Feb 3 2025

    In this episode, Ryan Burklo discusses the five essential principles of investing, emphasizing the importance of having a well-structured balance sheet, understanding risk, diversifying investments, rebalancing portfolios, and maintaining good behavioral finance practices. He highlights how these principles can help investors navigate market fluctuations and achieve long-term financial success.

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    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Your balance sheet should be set up appropriately before investing.
    Having an emergency fund is crucial before investing in stocks or bonds.
    Understanding your overall risk tolerance is essential for investment success.
    Diversification is necessary to mitigate risks associated with market volatility.
    Rebalancing your portfolio helps maintain your desired risk level over time.
    Behavioral finance plays a significant role in investment decisions.
    Investing is a long-term commitment, not just a short-term strategy.
    Don't put all your money in the S&P 500; consider other asset classes.
    Market timing is risky and often leads to poor investment decisions.
    Consulting with a financial advisor can help you navigate complex investment strategies.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Five Principles of Investing
    01:26 Setting Up Your Balance Sheet
    03:50 Understanding Risk: Stocks vs. Bonds
    06:09 The Importance of Diversification
    11:41 Rebalancing Your Portfolio
    14:58 Behavioral Finance: Staying the Course

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    21 mins
  • Episode 285 - Let's Talk about Taxes Pt 3
    Jan 27 2025

    In this episode of Beer andMoney, Ryan Burklo discusses various tax strategies for retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning with the end in mind. He explores the implications of different income needs, the 4% withdrawal rule, and compares various tax strategies including amortization and annuities. The conversation highlights how where you place your money can significantly impact your tax bracket and overall financial health in retirement.

    Check out our website: beerandmoney.net

    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Understanding tax brackets is crucial for retirement planning.
    The 4% rule helps determine sustainable withdrawals.
    Amortization can provide a different tax strategy for income.
    Annuities can offer guaranteed income but have tax implications.
    Effective tax rates can vary significantly based on income sources.
    Planning with the end in mind allows for better tax strategies.
    Diversifying tax buckets can help control tax liabilities.
    Long-term planning is essential for maximizing retirement income.
    Where you put your money today affects future tax strategies.
    Engaging with financial professionals can simplify planning.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Tax Strategies in Retirement
    02:54 Understanding Income Needs and Tax Implications
    06:10 Exploring the 4% Withdrawal Rule
    08:59 Amortization as a Tax Strategy
    11:54 Comparing Tax Strategies: Interest-Only vs. Amortization
    15:00 Annuity as a Tax Strategy
    18:03 Tax Implications of Annuities
    20:45 Long-Term Tax Planning Strategies
    23:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    27 mins
  • Episode 284 - Let's Talk about Taxes Pt 2
    Jan 20 2025

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the importance of tax planning for retirement. He emphasizes the need to understand the net after-tax income and how different retirement accounts, such as traditional and Roth accounts, affect future tax liabilities. The conversation includes a visual representation of a fictitious client's financial situation, highlighting the distribution of taxable and non-taxable assets. Ryan encourages listeners to consider their own financial pie charts and the implications of their current saving strategies on future tax outcomes.

    Check out our website: beerandmoney.net

    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Tax planning is crucial for maximizing after-tax income in retirement.
    Understanding the difference between traditional and Roth accounts is essential.
    Future tax rates are uncertain, making personalized planning important.
    Visualizing your financial situation can help in making informed decisions.
    Having a balance of taxable and non-taxable assets can provide flexibility in retirement.
    It's important to consider the tax implications of your savings strategies now.
    Not all financial advice is one-size-fits-all; individual circumstances matter.
    The majority of assets in traditional retirement accounts can lead to higher taxes later.
    Planning with the end in mind can lead to better financial outcomes.
    Utilizing a financial scorecard can help assess your current situation.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Tax Planning for the Future
    10:06 Visualizing Your Financial Future: The Importance of Tax Status

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    13 mins
  • Episode 283 - Let's Talk about Taxes Pt 1
    Jan 13 2025

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo discusses the intricacies of the tax system, focusing on the differences between marginal and effective tax rates, how bonuses are taxed, and the implications of choosing between traditional and Roth retirement accounts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for effective tax planning and long-term financial strategy.

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    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Understanding the difference between marginal and effective tax rates is crucial.
    Your marginal tax rate does not apply to all your income.
    Bonuses are taxed at your highest marginal tax rate unless you cross into a new bracket.
    Effective tax rate gives a clearer picture of your overall tax burden.
    Retirement account choices can significantly impact future tax liabilities.
    Traditional IRAs lower your taxes now but can lead to higher taxes later.
    Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
    Tax planning should consider both current and future tax implications.
    Collaboration between your CPA and financial advisor is essential for effective planning.
    It's important to think about how current decisions affect future tax situations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Taxes: Marginal vs Effective Tax Rates
    02:49 The Taxation of Bonuses and Income Planning
    06:02 Retirement Accounts: Traditional vs Roth and Tax Implications

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    11 mins
  • Episode 282 - Understanding Recovery Rates in Investing
    Jan 6 2025

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo and Alex Collins discuss the often misunderstood concept of recovery rates in investing, particularly after market downturns. They explore the mathematical realities of recovering from losses, the importance of strategic retirement planning, and the need for a balanced approach to investing that includes both market and non-market assets. The conversation aims to debunk common myths about rate of return and emphasizes the significance of cash flow in retirement planning.

    Check out our website: beerandmoney.net

    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    We often underestimate the impact of market losses on retirement planning.
    To recover from a 22% loss, you need more than a 22% gain.
    Mathematically, recovering from losses is more complex than it seems.
    Investors should consider both market and non-market assets for retirement.
    Cash flow is crucial for retirement, not just rate of return.
    Planning for retirement requires understanding recovery rates.
    Market downturns can significantly affect retirement timelines.
    Diversifying investments can provide more flexibility in retirement.
    It's essential to control your retirement timing, not just rely on market performance.
    Understanding financial planning can help mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Recovery Rates in Investing
    02:22 Understanding Market Downturns and Recovery Rates
    10:01 Strategies for Retirement Planning Post-Loss
    14:56 Debunking Myths About Rate of Return and Cash Flow

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    19 mins
  • Episode 281 - Traversing The Estate Planning Maze with Rob Bukacek
    Dec 30 2024

    In this episode of Beer and Money, Ryan Burklo, Alex Collins, and estate planning expert Rob Bukacek discuss the intricacies of estate planning. They cover the importance of having a trust, the process of finding the right attorney, and how to prepare for meetings with legal professionals. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper documentation, the significance of choosing beneficiaries wisely, and the necessity of reviewing estate plans regularly. Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps in their estate planning to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are taken care of.

    Check out our website: beerandmoney.net

    For a quick assessment of your current financial life go to: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/RyanBurklo

    Takeaways

    Estate planning is essential for everyone, not just the wealthy.
    A trust can manage your assets while you're alive and incapacitated.
    Choosing the right attorney is crucial for effective estate planning.
    Prepare for your attorney meeting by knowing who will manage your finances.
    Consider who will inherit your assets and how to protect them.
    Special needs children require specific planning to maintain benefits.
    Review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events.
    Having a financial advisor can help navigate the estate planning process.
    Communication with your attorney is key to a successful estate plan.
    Be proactive in your estate planning to avoid complications for your loved ones.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Estate Planning
    02:24 Understanding Trusts and Wills
    06:02 The Importance of Estate Planning Documents
    11:21 Finding the Right Estate Planning Attorney
    16:19 Preparing for Your Attorney Meeting
    20:30 Who Gets Your Stuff? Planning for Beneficiaries
    24:11 Special Considerations for Children and Heirs
    27:29 Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan
    30:51 The Role of Advisors in Estate Planning

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    38 mins