Best Jonathan Bednar II, CFP🄬 Podcasts (2025)

1
The Million Dollar Retirement Myth, Holding You Back? (113) 20:21

12d ago20:21

20:21

I discuss the long-held myth that $1 million is the universal retirement target and explore why your personal number depends on your unique circumstances and goals. • The million-dollar retirement target originated from the 4% rule but does it account for today's economics? • What's the impact of Inflation, healthcare costs, increased longevity, an…

1
The One Big Beautiful Bill: Are There New Opportunities for Seniors and Retirees? (112) 15:37

18d ago15:37

15:37

Tax laws have changed dramatically with the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and your retirement planning strategy likely needs to adapt. This sweeping legislation extends several tax cuts and Jobs Act provisions while adding several powerful new deductions specifically targeting seniors and retirees. Take a listen and to hear how these cha…

1
Nine Accounts, No Plan: Planning a Real Tennessee Retirement (111) 12:54

1M ago12:54

12:54

We recently worked with clients who had nine different financial accounts at nine different institutions with no coherent strategy, including around $450,000 sitting in cash earning nothing. After moving from California to Tennessee, they were struggling with both lifestyle adjustments and financial disarray while approaching retirement within five…

1
Beyond Market Dips: Why Your Long-Term Portfolio Might Be Stronger Than You Think (110) 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

Market downturns naturally trigger anxiety for investors, but having a better understanding of your investment strategy can provide peace of mind during market turbulence. • Broad-based market ETFs diversification vs individual stocks • Creating the fixed income "war chest" • Laddered bond strategies—what are they? • Applying at least a 5-year pers…

1
Retirement on $625K: A Real-World Case Study (109) 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

In this episode I'll walk you through a detailed retirement case study for David (73) and Tammy (65) who have $625,000 in retirement savings plus a $180,000 business stake to sell, examining if they can retire comfortably with these assets. • Will their combined SS benefits of approximately $61,000 annually cover their basic annual expenses? • Mont…

1
The 6-5-4 Strategy: Creating Your Retirement Paycheck (108) 16:17

3M ago16:17

16:17

The 6-5-4 bucket strategy can transform your retirement savings into a sustainable income stream while maintaining long-term growth potential. In today's epsiode I dive into this on more detail: A simple yet powerful approach that creates a clear withdrawal plan that provides both financial security and peace of mind during market volatility. • Cal…

1
Transforming an Inherited IRA into Tax-Free Retirement Wealth (107) 6:26

5M ago6:26

6:26

We unpack a strategy to transform an inherited IRA into tax-free retirement wealth through a strategic Roth conversion. A client recently inherited $52,000 from his mother and was taking RMDs without a clear plan until we implemented this approach. What you'll learn: • Inherited IRAs become "beneficiary IRAs" when passed down to non-spouses • Benef…

1
Market Volatility: When Half "Want Out" and Half "Want In" — What Should You Do? (106) 18:09

5M ago18:09

18:09

Market uncertainty triggers two distinctly opposite responses from investors. We see some frantically call ready to cash out, while others eagerly seek opportunities to deploy additional capital. The CNN Fear and Greed Index currently sits around 20 (out of 100), indicating fear among investors. For investors wrestling with uncertainty, several cri…

1
Stock Market Turmoil: When to Worry and What to Do? (105) 18:25

6M ago18:25

18:25

Market volatility triggers panic, but historical data reveals why staying calm and sticking to your financial strategy is the smartest approach during turbulent times. • Every time CNBC has aired a "Markets in Turmoil" special since 2010, the S&P 500 was higher one year later by an average of 40% • Market fluctuations are natural and expected parts…

1
Home Value: Do We Have Enough Property Coverage? Essential for Homeowners (104) 6:38

6M ago6:38

6:38

Are you confident that your home insurance will cover you in times of crisis? When disaster strikes, many homeowners discover they lack sufficient protection. In this episode, I dive into the world of property and casualty insurance, especially as it relates to rising 📈 home values and recent catastrophic events across the country. The importance o…

1
Weathering the Storms: Long-Term Success Amid Market Volatility (103) 12:31

7M ago12:31

12:31

The recent sell-off in NVIDIA's stock highlights the fears surrounding market volatility. Past events quickly emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust financial plan and understanding emotional market reactions. On this episode: • The emotional impact of market headlines • Significance of NVIDIA's decline in the context of market stability…

1
Healthcare in Retirement: Navigating Health Plans During Your Transition to Retirement (102) 13:51

8M ago13:51

13:51

This episode focuses on healthcare options for early retirees, highlighting the Affordable Care Act and its accessibility. I share insights into navigating healthcare.gov, addressing chronic health issues, and making informed decisions without the need to remain in the workforce solely for insurance. • Discussion of a couple's specific healthcare c…

1
Navigating Toward a Secure and Fulfilling Retirement: Insights from a Financial Advisor (101) 7:44

9M ago7:44

7:44

Retirement is not just a distant dream; it's an achievable destination that requires strategic navigation. The What the Wealth Retirement Podcast unravels the complexities of planning for your golden years. As I shift the focus of our discussions, I’m excited to provide content that directly speaks to the retirement goals of our diverse audience. W…

1
100 Episodes of What the Wealth: Celebrating Our Journey and Future Opportunities (100) 3:42

10M ago3:42

3:42

I look back on 100 episodes of What the Wealth with gratitude and pride. It's been a fun pursuit and your support has made it that much more rewarding. As we go forward, I am thrilled about the promise of more consistent episodes filled with fresh, empowering content. Whether you're a loyal follower or tuning in for the first time, there's always s…

1
Your Guide: Financial Strategies for Staying on Track in Today's Economy (099) 8:10

11M ago8:10

8:10

What happens when financial stability suddenly feels distant? Temporary cash flow challenges can feel overwhelming but they don't have to derail your long-term financial goals. In this episode I explore strategies to keep your head above water without compromising your future, such as adjusting savings contributions for a bit of breathing room. Thi…

1
The AI Revolution: It's Transforming Industries, Should We Embrace It? (098) 10:28

11M ago10:28

10:28

The AI revolution is upon us and it's reshaping industries, work-life, and investment landscapes. On this episode I discuss the world of artificial intelligence, and together, we'll explore AI's unique ability to "think" and the duality of its impact—where it stands as both a creator and disruptor of jobs. Let's confront the challenges of industrie…

1
Exploring the Economic Effects of a the Recent Rate Cut (097) 11:30

11M ago11:30

11:30

How does the Federal Reserve's latest rate decision influence your financial future? With inflation taking a roller-coaster ride from 9% to a more manageable 3%, we explore the Fed's motivations for this rate cut and its broader implications for your portfolio. Reflecting on the history of inflation—from the days of 10-cent Cokes to today's prices—…

1
Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates Anytime Soon? Analyzing the Economic Outlook (096) 10:22

1y ago10:22

10:22

We're all curious as to what the Fed's going to do with rates. On this episode we attempt to tackle this burning question. We start by retracing the economic journey since 2021, exploring how post-COVID inflation surged to 9% and prompted the Fed to raise interest rates aggressively. Despite these higher borrowing costs impacting mortgages, auto lo…

1
Mastering the Market: Strategies and Mindset Built for Financial Resilience (095) 7:49

1+ y ago7:49

7:49

Are you prepared to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany a relentless bull market, from the dizzying heights of confidence to the potential perils of complacency? Lets cut through the noise and discuss practical wisdom for staying grounded amidst the market's unpredictable ups and downs. How will the disruptive force of AI innovati…

1
A Common BIG Life Insurance Misconception (094) 9:17

1+ y ago9:17

9:17

When my cousin casually mentioned he didn't have life insurance for his non-working spouse, it sparked an important conversation. This episode is a must for anyone that underestimates the economic value of a stay-at-home partner. Don't let the absence of a salary fool you into thinking there's an absence of value; we break down the cost of replacin…

1
New Office Location: Paradigm Wealth Partners in Chattanooga! (93) 4:44

1+ y ago4:44

4:44

Signal Mountain Road in Chattanooga is getting ready to host it's newest tenant: Paradigm Wealth Partners is officially moving in! As my family and I plant our roots even deeper in Chattanooga, this expansion isn't just business growth; it's a personal celebration of community and connection. Stay connected with our new office location progress and…

1
Balancing Generosity and Financial Security: A Journey to Sustainable Philanthropy (92) 9:12

1+ y ago9:12

9:12

Imagine navigating the delicate balance between nurturing a generous heart and managing newfound wealth. That's exactly the journey we embarked on with a client who, after receiving a significant inheritance, grappled with how much they could give to their community without risking financial security. As a dedicated Financial Planner, I'm thrilled …

1
The REAL Power of Patience: Celebrating Charlie Munger's Investment Wisdom and the Art of Behind Long-Term Wealth Creation (91) 5:05

1+ y ago5:05

5:05

A quick recap of the timeless investment wisdom of the late Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway's renowned Vice Chairman, as we reflect on his teachings about the virtue of patience. Can sitting tight with your investment portfolio truly outperform the frantic dance of buying and selling in today's market? 🗓️ Meet with me: https://paradigmwealthpart…

1
Defying Predictions: The Surprising Strength of the Stock Market in 2023 and How to Proceed in 2024 (90) 9:31

1+ y ago9:31

9:31

Who could have predicted the ironclad resilience of the stock market amidst the tumultuous events of 2023? In this episode I peel back the curtain on a year where, against all odds, the market leaped in the face of dire predictions, rate hikes, and global instability. A few of my thoughts on the reasons behind this defiance of expectations, along w…

1
Sailing Smoothly Through Market Fluctuations (89) 12:52

2y ago12:52

12:52

What if there was a way to navigate the uncertainties of long-term retirement investments using past trends of the S&P 500 index? Don't let short-term market fluctuations deter you. The truth is, investing for retirement requires a marathoner's perspective, not a sprinter's. Join us as we unpack the weighted 30-year rolling average of the S&P 500, …

1
Exploring Passive Income Strategies (88) 10:30

2y ago10:30

10:30

Are you tired of the daily grind and looking for ways to diversify your income? Ready to ditch the misconceptions about 'easy' passive income strategies? In this episode I take you on an enlightening journey into the world of passive income. We'll bust some myths, such as the idea that real estate investing or becoming a social media influencer is …

1
Decoding Roth Conversions: A Deep Dive into Strategies, Myths, and Tax Implications (87) 17:00

2y ago17:00

17:00

Ever wondered how to make your money work better for you by leveraging the power of Roth conversions? Join me, Jonathan Bednar, co-owner of Paradigm Wealth Partners, as we journey through the complexities and benefits of this financial strategy. As a certified financial planner, I shed light on the essentials of liquidity, tax implications, convers…

1
Shaping Your Financial Future through Investing in Real Estate 12:26

2y ago12:26

12:26

In the conversation about real estate investments, a lot of people are for it and many are against it. Investment philosophy can be very personal. For me, real estate is something I like to invest in, but it’s important to understand all the factors that come into play, such as interest rates, inflation, borrowing costs, affordability, and more. So…

1
Building Bridges to Your Future: Psychology Meets Personal Finance 12:18

2y ago12:18

12:18

Have you ever felt like your future self is a stranger? Or that some future goals are a bit too far away to understand? That's because, scientifically, our brains struggle to connect with the future version of us. Join me as I unpack some fascinating research from UCLA's professor Hal Hershfield, and unravel the implications it has on our ability t…

1
Bond Voyage: Sailing Into Retirement Stability 9:39

2y ago9:39

9:39

A lot of people talk about bonds as a way to generate income “safely” in retirement and say that all you need is to own a bunch of bonds and you’ll be safe, but I don’t necessarily agree with that. There are ways to use bonds for retirement income but it needs to be done in a way that is specific to your unique retirement needs. In this episode, I’…

1
Retirement Checkpoints: How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement? 9:38

2+ y ago9:38

9:38

How much should you have saved for retirement? Are you on track? I get questions like these often from people—and for good reason. Retirement is lasting longer for some people and there are many people who want to retire early so, really, you probably need to be saving more. But how much more should you be saving? There are a lot of variables that …

1
Ep #82: What Happens Next? 15:06

2+ y ago15:06

15:06

How can we plan for the rest of the year? What should we be looking out for financially as we move into the second part of 2023? There have been lots of questions and concerns about where the market has been and the last 18 months where interest rates, inflation, and market changes have been difficult. In this episode, I will share what we see comi…

1
Ep #81: Transferring Assets to Beneficiaries 14:23

2+ y ago14:23

14:23

Many people who reach their 80s and 90s want to start transferring their assets to their kids early rather than wait for it to be inheritance—but this may not always be the best way to do it. In today’s episode, I’m going to be sharing important insight into passing assets on to your beneficiaries. You will hear about common mistakes that parents m…

1
Ep #80: Taxes 7:58

2+ y ago7:58

7:58

One of the biggest risks in your retirement is taxes. So today, I’ll be talking about how you can avoid a big tax bomb and how you can start making key decisions now that will help you navigate and plan for tax time next year. There’s a lot we can learn from our past year or so of filing, so I’ll also share how you can put that information to work …

1
Ep #79: The Importance of Having a Plan 12:13

2+ y ago12:13

12:13

Are you ready for the twists and turns of life? Unexpected events happen all the time, and as I watch the aftermath of the tornado damage near Little Rock, Arkansas, it’s a big reminder about the importance of having a plan. This is a show about finances and financial planning, but in this episode, you’ll be hearing about a different kind of planni…

1
Ep #78: Banking Crisis 2.0 17:47

2+ y ago17:47

17:47

Today, I’m going to be addressing the most recent banking crisis that has been creating a lot of buzz lately. You will get to hear my analysis of the current crisis compared to other similar ones we have seen throughout history, as well as a few different things you can watch out for when it comes to situations like this. You can find show notes an…

1
Ep #77: Should We Take Our Money Out of the Market? 19:06

2+ y ago19:06

19:06

The last 15 months have been very tumultuous as a long-term equity investor. As rates have ticked up to help fight inflation, we’ve seen the bumps on the chin taken by our equity portfolios. Over time, the constant beat-down of the market and the financial media coverage can really weigh on the investor’s psyche, so today we’re going to talk about …

1
Ep #76: The Debt Ceiling 17:39

2+ y ago17:39

17:39

Where do we sit now with the debt ceiling—and what does it all mean for the U.S.? We’ve had some questions about what the debt ceiling is and why it’s important, so in this podcast, I’ll be answering these questions and more. You will hear how it got started, the historic patterns of debt in the U.S., where things look like they’re going, and how a…

1
Ep #75: 2023 Market Outlook 47:19

2+ y ago47:19

47:19

Today, we’re going to dive into a replay of a webinar I hosted on January 27th called "2023 Market Outlook." I’m joined by financial planner Katie Kavehrad and my father, Jon Bednar, to talk about a few different market pieces that we’re internalizing and giving advice and guidance to our clients on in the coming year. Listen in as we discuss the d…

1
Ep #74: Breaking! SECURE Act 2.0 Updates RMDs 8:49

2+ y ago8:49

8:49

In this episode, I’ll be covering just a portion of the SECURE Act 2.0 – specifically pertaining to required minimum distributions (RMDs). If you are retired or getting close to your retirement, understanding the changes that are going on with RMDs is the first step to keeping up-to-date and ensuring you’re utilizing and optimizing your retirement …

1
Ep #73: How To Achieve Long-Term Financial Success 18:28

2+ y ago18:28

18:28

In today’s episode, I’ll be addressing a few questions that I’ve been getting from my clients regarding the economy, the market, and my predictions for the future. This is such an important thing to talk about right now, so I will share my thoughts on this, as well as four essential investment principles that you need to understand as we enter 2023…

1
Ep #72: Things That Matter and Things You Can Control 6:09

2+ y ago6:09

6:09

It can be hard to focus amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, but there is a trick that I’ve found works well to help with that. In this episode, I share a sketch from personal finance thought leader Carl Richards that makes things a bit simpler, as well as a reminder to take time to think about and focus on what’s important. You can find sho…

1
Ep #71: I Want To Invest, But I Don’t Want To Lose Money 13:56

3y ago13:56

13:56

“I have $100,000 to invest, but I don’t want to lose money.” Someone said this to me recently, and it inspired me to sit down and chat with you about this topic today. You will get to hear a bit about the mindset that lies behind a statement like this and why it can actually end up hurting your financial health. You can find show notes and more inf…

1
Ep #70: RMDs and QCDs with Katie Kavehrad 15:19

3y ago15:19

15:19

In order to fully understand qualified charitable distributions, you’ll want to know what required minimum distributions are and how they work. Today we have Katie Kavehrad back on the show to discuss the inner workings of RMDs and QCDs. If you’re retired or approaching retirement age and you want help building your tax planning strategy, the tools…

1
Ep #69: Donor Advised Funds with Katie Kavehrad 34:23

3y ago34:23

34:23

It’s important to know as much as you reasonably can about the financial tools you have in your tool bag. Katie Kavehrad joins me again today to talk about Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and how this particular tool can be used for charitable giving, investing strategies, financial planning, and more. In this episode, you will get a better understandin…

1
Ep #68: Recession Data Dive with Katie Kavehrad 24:07

3y ago24:07

24:07

Today Katy Kavehrad, a financial planner at Paradigm Wealth Planners, joins the show for the first time! We're covering how she helps clients achieve their goals, as well as key things that are happening in financial news and markets. You'll hear good news, insight into what to watch carefully, and more. You can find show notes and more information…

1
Ep #67: What If…? 25:28

3y ago25:28

25:28

Today I want to answer some questions that have come up lately in light of the recent market turbulence and volatility. There are a lot of “what if?” questions floating around people’s heads, and today I will provide some clarity and answers that will offer a bit more relief or a sense of preparedness. By clearly defining things like risk and volat…

1
Ep #66: Bond Laddering 23:08

3y ago23:08

23:08

A stable retirement portfolio is something that we are all seeking and working to ensure. In this episode, I’ll share how bond laddering can be used as a strategy when investing to reduce risk and increase stability. You will get some quick and easy insight into what a bond is, the types of bonds out there, and how laddering can be used to reduce a…

1
Ep #65: The Inflation Reduction Act 14:28

3y ago14:28

14:28

Just a short time ago, on August 16th, The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. So, can we expect inflation to go down? Will this affect your finances in any specific areas? Listen in to hear the most important things you need to know about and how to properly navigate the changes this bill may bring. You can find show notes and more inform…

1
Ep #64: The Price of Panic 29:38

3y ago29:38

29:38

Playing it safe to avoid losing your money can seem like the only rational strategy. However, in the past, we have seen repeated patterns of a market downturn that send the world into a panic. Despite these crises, the market has always been resilient and eventually bounced back, stronger than before. So, in this episode, I will be explaining why l…

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Jonathan Bednar II, CFP🄬 Podcasts

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