What if the secret to a financially secure retirement is hiding in plain sight? Grab your favorite drink and join us for the season kickoff of Bullshit on Stilts, where we unravel the intriguing world of annuities. Our guest brings fresh insights into these often-misunderstood financial tools, tracing their roots back to Roman soldiers and dissecting modern types, from the steady fixed annuity to the adventurous variable and the futuristic indexed. We promise a light-hearted yet informative discussion that will equip you with the knowledge to determine if annuities deserve a spot in your financial strategy.

Get ready for an episode packed with relatable analogies and humorous takes as we compare annuities to car engines to make sense of their mechanics. Fixed annuities are the reliable gas engines, while variable ones are like hybrids, offering a mix of investment options. And then we have indexed annuities, the electric engines of the bunch, providing a modern twist by tracking stock market indices. We navigate the phases of annuities, from premium to payout, breaking down how each phase offers its blend of flexibility and potential financial benefit.

Season two of Bullshit on Stilts kicks off with a funky vibe, thanks to our talented content creators and musicians. As always, our mission is to strip away the financial fluff and myths, offering clarity in a world often clouded by misinformation. Whether you’re curious about the complex mechanics of annuities or seeking to refine your retirement strategy, this episode promises a blend of humor, insight, and the occasional cultural reference to keep things entertaining. Keep those critical thinking skills sharp, and don't forget to share your financial curiosities with us for future episodes!

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Ever felt like financial advice is written in a language more confusing than Egyptian hieroglyphs? Fear not, fellow Sniffers! Bullshit on Stilts is here to lead you through the tangled web of money matters with laughter as our companion. Join us as we embark on a candid, fun, and educational journey, arming you with the tools to ask the right questions and see through the murky world of cash flow, investments, and insurance. With our quirky blend of comedy and clarity, we're on a mission to make finance as fun and accessible as a rollercoaster ride through a financial funhouse.

To kick off season two, we're unraveling the mysteries of annuities, starting with an episode that promises to clear the fog around these financial products. Tune in on February 14th and discover if annuities could be a "right fit" for achieving a financial outcome. With our unique style, think of us as your knucklehead guides to financial enlightenment. You'll laugh, you'll learn, and you'll wonder why it ever seemed so complicated in the first place. Join us, and let's turn the daunting world of finance into a lively, joy-filled adventure—no spreadsheets required!

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Think estate planning is just for the wealthy? Think again! We bust this and other common myths wide open in our latest episode, where we blend humor with insightful analysis to make estate planning a topic everyone can understand and appreciate. You’ll learn why estate planning isn’t just a financial tool for the elite but a vital step for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are cared for, regardless of the size of their estate. We even throw in a playful playlist of estate-themed tunes to keep the mood light as we tackle this serious subject.

We dive deep into the essential documents that form the backbone of a comprehensive estate plan, from powers of attorney and living wills to trusts and beneficiary designations. Discover how these important tools empower you and your designated individuals to manage your affairs during times of incapacitation. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to confront life's uncertainties with confidence, ensuring your assets are distributed as you wish and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Join us in navigating through these essential conversations with a mix of levity and gravity, challenging conventional wisdom and empowering you to set up a solid plan for the future.

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Ever seen those financial ads that scream, “Half your 401(k) belongs to the government!”? They’re designed to spark fear and uncertainty about retirement savings and taxes—but how accurate is this really? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on these misleading claims to help you sharpen your bullshit detector and make smarter financial decisions.

First, let’s tackle the scary tax myths. While it’s true that taxes can impact retirement savings, most Americans don’t face the apocalyptic tax rates these ads suggest. In fact, understanding your actual tax bracket and how withdrawals work can reveal a much less frightening reality.

Then there’s the sneaky phrase: “Let’s see if you qualify.” It sounds exclusive and tailored, right? But often, it’s a marketing tactic to hook you into an insurance product sales call rather than rescuing your retirement. Recognizing these red flags is a critical step in protecting your financial future.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to see through some of the “financial fairy tales” spread across social media. You’ll feel confident navigating the noise and focusing on facts—not fear—when making retirement related decisions.

Want more tips? Check out our previous Episodes #17 and #18, where we dive into Tax-Free Retirement Accounts and Tax-Free Roth Conversions, cycling through social media financial misinformation traps. Let’s get after it!

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Ever wondered if there's a magic trick to converting your tax-deferred retirement savings into tax-free wealth, completely sidestepping income taxes? Maybe you've seen social media ads promising the "secret" to turning your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA without paying taxes and thought, "Am I missing out on something amazing here?" Imagine growing your retirement savings tax-free and sailing into your golden years with financial freedom. Sounds too good to be true? Spoiler: it often is.

In this episode of Bullshit on Stilts, we’re breaking down the bold promises behind social media Tax-Free Roth Conversion advertisements. We’ll explore the strategic use of Roth IRAs—what they can actually do to minimize tax burdens and maximize tax-free growth. Through a lively, humor-filled discussion packed with expert insights, we’ll help you separate fact from fiction and empower you to make smart financial decisions for your future.

We’ll also tackle some of the most common myths about Tax-Free Roth Conversions, shedding light on what really happens with those damn taxes. And don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the what is known as “tax-neutral” and whether the claim of “tax-free” is accurate or not.

Lastly, we’ll emphasize the power of asking the right questions and challenging your financial professional to get the advice you deserve. Whether you’re a savvy investor or just dipping your toes into retirement planning, we’ve got you covered.

So, tune in and join the conversation. Let’s develop your BS detector with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to secure a prosperous—and well-informed—retirement.

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Unlock the secrets of financial advertising as we uncover the truth behind those too-good-to-be-true offers in our latest series, "Bullshit on Stilts." Ever been lured by promises of "can't lose" investments or "tax-free retirement accounts"? Get ready to sharpen your "bullshit sniffer" and see through flashy social media claims designed to dazzle and deceive. We promise you'll leave this episode equipped with the tools to scrutinize the allure of terms like TFRA and other buzzwords popping up during open enrollment season.

Join us as we peel back the layers of misleading marketing, especially the enticing world of tax-free retirement accounts and cash value life insurance. With a mix of serious analysis and a sprinkle of humor, we dissect these so-called "rich man's Roths" to reveal the truth behind their grandiose promises. Explore the ethical implications of these strategies and understand why transparency is crucial in financial planning. Don't miss our engaging discussion about the power of social media advertising and how to distinguish fact from fiction while navigating the financial services landscape.

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

What if navigating healthcare costs didn't feel like decoding a secret language? This episode of Bullshit on Stilts takes you deep into the maze of healthcare expenses, likening them to an unavoidable cover charge that drains your finances, just like unexpected fees at a nightclub. We tackle the double-edged sword of healthcare and retirement savings, drawing intriguing parallels between the evolution of the financial services industry and the current state of health insurance, controlled by giants like Blue Cross and UnitedHealth. By breaking down the infamous 'charge master' prices and examining how insurers negotiate discounts, we shed light on the complex dynamics affecting your pocketbook.

Ever wondered why a $550 insurance premium could lead to a staggering $3,400 MRI bill? We demystify this perplexing scenario using our Chex Mix Paradox analogy, illustrating the frustratingly opaque world of medical billing. You'll learn about potential cost-saving avenues, such as charitable care at nonprofit hospitals, and the lifesaving financial assistance programs mandated by Section 501R of the IRS code. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of being informed and proactive, as understanding these options can make a significant difference in managing hefty medical expenses, and keeping more of what you earn inside your house rather than the health care house of cards.

Balancing risk and affordability in healthcare is a personal journey fraught with tough choices. We delve into the nitty-gritty of fully insured plans versus exchange options, offering strategic advice for families grappling with traditional insurance costs. Explore alternative pathways that, while not perfect, provide customizable financial exposure for significant medical events. By evaluating spending priorities and assessing the level of health care risk you're comfortable with, we aim to help you navigate the complicated healthcare landscape with more confidence and clarity. Tune in for a mix of serious analysis and a touch of humor, all in a space that's 99.1% bullshit-free!

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.

Ever wondered how to see through the fog of financial jargon and make informed decisions? Tune in as we revisit the highlights midway through our first season, where we empower you to sharpen your "bullshit sniffer." From dissecting health insurance complexities to debunking common myths about financial professionals, and arming you with the Fab Five questions for investments and life insurance, we've got it all covered. Through candid conversations, humor, and straightforward wisdom, we aim to simplify daunting financial topics and help you take control of your financial decisions with confidence.

We also take a heartfelt moment to thank our incredible community for their unwavering support, feedback, and ideas that have shaped our podcast journey. Your engagement has been invaluable, and we're immensely grateful for the resources from pixabay.com, bensound.com, and uppbeat.io that have taken our sound quality to the next level. Join us as we promise to continue this exciting journey with new weekly episodes, packed with more enlightening conversations and eye-opening insights. Thank you for being a part of our adventure and making it a hell of a lot of fun!

We love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Send us a text!

Developing your financial bullshit sniffer one episode at a time.