Have you ever wondered why you'd use a money market or a CD instead of a high yield savings account? Are you concerned about battling it out with a sibling over an inheritance? If so, this week's mailbag episode is for you! Send us a text Send your questions for upcoming show to [email protected] @checkyourbalances on Instagram…

Should you even try to hedge a single position inside an index fund? What happens when you spot a single stock within your broad market index that looks seriously overvalued? We'll weigh the costs, complexities, and potential benefits against simpler, more effective risk management approaches for index fund investors. Send us a text Send your quest…

The headlines are screaming about tariffs and trade wars, but what does it all mean for your wallet? In this episode of Check Your Balances, we break down the "Tariff Tantrum" and explore how these international trade spats could impact business and ultimately your portfolio. Send us a text Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances…

It's March Madness, but make it money! This week, we're pitting the biggest personal finance debates against each other in a head-to-head bracket showdown. From "Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche" to "Roth vs. Traditional IRA," which financial strategies will reign supreme? Tune in for the ultimate financial face-off and level up your money game! Send us…

What if you had access to capital, but it cost you some of the upside value of your home? This week Ross and Dan explore a product that they were recently introduced to and look at what situations it makes sense for. Like most exotic lending options, this one can be really dangerous if not used correctly! Send us a text Send your questions for upco…

Ever wonder if all those market buzzwords—overvalued, undervalued, fear, greed—are just dressed-up ways to say "time the market"? In a world where it's easy to get spooked by the news and want to sit on the sidelines, let's get real about market timing. Let's break down the concept of market timing and discuss how to navigate the market with clarit…

Warren Buffett's annual letter is a must-read for investors. Join us as we break down the key takeaways from his 2024 missive, exploring his insights on the economy, Berkshire Hathaway's performance, and of course, his enduring love for equities. Is his wisdom still relevant in today's market? We'll discuss that and more on this episode. Find us on…

This week's Mailbag episode has great listener questions about whether rolling money back into a 401(K) is worth it for backdoor Roth IRA contributions, how to withhold taxes for a small business, and whether you can actually have too much money in your 401(K) plan. Send us your questions to be featured on an upcoming mailbag episode! Send us a tex…

Are your RSUs a golden ticket to financial freedom or just a confusing piece of your compensation package? This week, we demystify Restricted Stock Units and show you how to turn them into a powerful wealth-building tool. Learn how to navigate vesting schedules, understand the tax implications, and develop a smart strategy for managing your RSUs. D…

In a world where everyone from the car finance office to an insurance salesperson calls themselves a "Financial Advisor" what can advisors actually provide? Do you have to have your money managed, or can they simply act as a consultant? Tune int his week for Ross and Dan's take on a listener question about what advisors can actually offer. Send us …

Your money personality plays a bigger role in your financial success than you might think. In this episode, Ross and Dan introduce a framework of four distinct money personalities. Learn how to identify your own archetype and understand how it impacts your saving, investing, and overall financial well-being. We'll also discuss strategies for levera…

This week Jesse Cramer of the Best Interest Blog and Podcast joins the show to talk about how different advisors can approach the same decision of getting to where we need to go. Join us for a fun conversation about Jesse's journey and how we all approach the vehicle decisions. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pShIUwiYJTM Send us a text…

We kick off 2025 with an update on a few of the key things you might want to update heading into the new year and then move into a discussion about asset location. Are your growth assets in the right buckets? Are your safe assets in the right buckets? We give our current thoughts on how to think about it. Send us a text Send your questions for upco…

If you had the money to buy a home outright, would you still take a mortgage at our current rates? This week's episode dives into the pros and cons of whether it makes sense to borrow money or invest based on the current landscape. Send us a text Send your questions for upcoming show to [email protected] @checkyourbalances on Instagram…

This time of year we think a lot about gift giving. But what about the gifts you truly don't want? We don't mean a bad neck tie or macaroni art, but maybe one that costs you thousands of dollars just to maintain... tune in this week for our discussion about how to avoid inheriting a timeshare. Send us a text Send your questions for upcoming show to…

This month's mailbag episode is a super-sized catch-up! We're diving deep into your burning questions about personal finance. From the ins and outs of taxes on gifts to strategies for supercharging your retirement savings, we've got you covered. Tune in to hear our expert insights and practical advice. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A…

Confused about capital gains tax and whether you should be selling stocks before the end of the year? In this episode, we break down the basics of capital gains tax and discuss the factors to consider when deciding whether to sell your stocks before year end. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5ME5uG-Ny0 Send us a text Send your question…

This week Ross and Dan celebrate their 200th episode of Check Your Balances with a lighthearted reflective episode of the journey up to this point. We appreciate each and every one of you, whether you've listened to a single segment or every single episode of the show up to this point. Happy Thanksgiving! Send us a text Send your questions for upco…

When financial decisions matter most, you need strong arguments to consider. This week episode brings you a lighthearted debate on 5 financial topics: - How relevant is net worth as a metric? - Should I just invest in the S&P 500 and stop overthinking it? - Do you really need an emergency fund before investing? - Is the FIRE movement good for perso…

As we celebrate our Veterans this week, we got a great listener questions about what unique benefits our Veterans have access to. We also answer questions about whether high earners should consider a 529 for themselves to gain access to a Roth IRA. Our apologies for the late post, we were having technical difficulties! This episode is on YouTube: h…

Elections can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's easy to get caught up in the hype and fear-mongering. But as investors, it's crucial to stay calm and focused on our long-term financial goals. In this episode, we'll discuss how to avoid making big mistakes with your investing regardless of the election outcome. This episode is on YouTube: htt…

In this episode, we dissect the iconic personal finance book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" at the request of our listeners. We'll delve into the core principles, analyze their effectiveness, and challenge some of the controversial claims. While acknowledging the book's influence on millions, we'll explore its limitations and discuss why a more nuanced appr…

Ever wondered how the couples on Love is Blind discuss their finances? Join us for a look into the financial decisions made by the contestants, and how we might treat the same questions. We'll analyze their choices through a financial lens and discuss how their financial literacy (or lack thereof) could impact their relationships and future. Will t…

Ever wondered how your taxes change after you retire? In this episode, we'll break down the key tax implications of retirement, and what sources you can still have withholding versus the ones where you'll have to take care of it yourself. Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WFBaNImVUpM Send us a text Send your questions for upcoming show…

Join us for the October edition of our personal finance mailbag podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into listener questions and provide insights on: Safe Withdrawal Rate: How much can you safely withdraw from your retirement savings without depleting your funds? Can you safely adjust up after a good year? Investing $500K: Do your portfolio optio…

The final chapter (we hope) in the Ross' house saga. Drew McKenzie from Long and Foster joins the show to talk about what it's like trying to give advice to a guy that gives advice for a living. Find this episode on YouTube (to see the inside of the actual home): https://youtu.be/GpjBZlu_r68 We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us questions y…

It finally happened, the Fed has cut rates... so now what? We talk about the impact of the new interest rate environment and what it means for you. Send your questions for the show to [email protected]! This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vLpQz4b6y0k We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us a text Send your questions for u…

Prominent financial pundits and, like Robert Kiyosaki, will tell you the 401(k) is a 'Horrible' retirement plan. Why is that the case, and are they really right? Tune in this week for our take. Send your personal finance questions to [email protected] This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J0wkYS_MBsY @checkyourbalances on Instagr…

Mortgage rates have already have already dropped more than a full percent from their recent highs. Is it too soon to talk about refinancing your mortgage? Why don't financial podcasters talk about the real costs associated with a refinance? Tune in this week to hear our take. Send your questions for the show to [email protected]! We're …

Perhaps not the most romantic reason, but does it make sense to get married for the tax benfits? Also how do you invest if you've got a windfall of cash to deal with? That and more in this week's mailbag episode. Send your questions to [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming show! We're @checkyourbalances on Instagram This episo…

We commonly talk with people that underestimate the impact of Social Security (and pensions) and how big of a deal it can for building their retirement plan. This week we have a philosophical question about how to think about it and how it relates to your own plans. Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5NcTxmt0Xf4 We're @checkyourbalances…

How do the taxes actually work on a non-Roth IRA? Should you prioritize Long-Term Care Insurance or Disability Insurance? If you're like our listeners, these questions may be on your mind too. Send your financial planning questions to [email protected] to be featured on upcoming episodes! You can also find us @checkyourbalances on Insta…

The past couple of weeks have shown an interruption in what has otherwise been a very comfy ride in the markets so far in 2024. With some major investors unloading big chunks of stock we look at the recent volatility and talk about whether it should affect positioning moving forward. Send your questions for the show to [email protected]…

This week we are joined by Meredith Hill, the founder and principal attorney, of the Hill Law Group. Meredith joins the show to discuss who needs estate plans and the pitfalls that families can fall into without having the proper documents in place. Send your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on upcoming mailbag…

This week we celebrate that the IRS has finally clarified guidance for Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. And also an update on the ongoing housing drama for Ross. Send your questions for an upcoming mailbag to [email protected] This, and all new episodes, are on YouTube Find us @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send…

This week Ross and Dan welcome tax attorney and expert, Jasmine DiLucci to the show to talk about how you can use the tax code to your advantage, and avoid silly scams that originate online. Send your questions to the show to [email protected] Find this episode on YouTube We're also @checkyourbalances on Instagram Send us a text Send yo…

This week Ross and Dan break down what they look for when evaluating a clients' 401(k) plan and whether it's actually any good. Some a great, and some not be the best home for your funds. Tune in this week to find out! Email [email protected] to submit questions to the show! This episode is on YouTube! We're also on Instagram! Send us a…

This week Ross and Dan dive into the mailbag to find what books they missed, whether recasting a mortgage is worth it (debate style) and how to calculate an RMD. Want your question on the show? Email us at [email protected]! Find this episode on YouTube Or find us on Instagram @checkyourbalances Send us a text Send your questions for up…

What has been on the recent reading list for Ross and Dan, and should you considering adding it to your beach reads? We'll give you our take so you can decide if you should give it your time. Send your questions for Check Your Balances to [email protected] to be featured on the show! This episode is on YouTube We're also on Instagram: @…

This week Ross and Dan dive into a deal that Bobby Bonilla made in 1999 that will continue to pay him a reported $1.19 million per year until 2035. Why would the Mets make that deal, and who was the big winner? Tune in to find out! Send questions to the show at [email protected]. Find this episode on YouTube We're @checkyourbalances on …

This week Ross and Dan unleash the fury on unnecessary products being sold to people that simply don't need them. Tune in to make sure you think about the right considerations when an annuity salesman turns their sights on you. Send questions for the show to [email protected] to have them featured on upcoming episodes! This episode is o…

This week Ross and Dan tackle listener questions about how Inherited IRAs are taxed, who needs a trust and why, as well as whether financial planning could be a part time venture. All that, and Dan's pool getting opened in this week's mailbag! Sned your questions [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming episode! This episode is o…

Ranging from where the market goes from here to radical Bitcoinization of the monetary system, this week's show is dedicated to Ross and Dan weighing in on a series of reckless predictions. Check this episode out on YouTube Follow us on Instagram @checkyourbalances Or email us at [email protected] to have your questions or topics featur…

This week we welcome financial content creator and author, Brian Feroldi, back to the show. Learn why the P/E ratio is a sloppy metric at face value. What metrics should you use depending on what stage of life a business is in? Tune in to find out. Send your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on upcoming episodes…

Could being an authorized user on a business credit card really affect your credit, even if you're not on the hook for the debt? This week Ross and Dan dive into the mailbag to give genuine reactions and advice to listener questions. Send your questions to [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming episode! Find this episode on You…

This week Ross and Dan explore a common term that is being used increasingly liberally. What does "Paycheck to Paycheck" really mean, and are American's really in as much trouble as a Forbe's article suggests? Send your questions for the show to [email protected]! Check this episode out on YouTube Find us and send your questions on Inst…

This week, Ross and Dan discuss a (frothy) way that you can access a private company through a public market investment. Whether you should or not is totally up to you. There is also some additional can kicking on IRS guidance around RMDs. Send your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on upcoming shows! Check this…

Check Your Balances typically tries to be a "200 level class," but we often get asked for how to present these topics to novice investors. We do our best to get the content we love into its simplest form without getting too lost in the weeds. Email your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming mailbag e…

This week, Ryan Hutchins, from Peak Business Valuation joins the show to talk about valuing companies of all types, private and public. Join us as we talk about what small business opportunities might present the juiciest opportunities to be an owner. Send your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming ma…

If commissions are all free, why wouldn't you take every bonus offer a broker sends your way? And if trading is free, how are the brokers still making money? All that and more on this week's episode. Send your questions for the show to [email protected] to be featured on an upcoming mailbag episode! Find this episode on YouTube Follow u…