Financial Choices Matter

Most retirees take their required minimum distributions (RMDs) in cash without realizing there's another option that might offer more long-term value. In this episode, Charles highlights a lesser-known strategy: taking RMDs “in-kind” by moving stocks or mutual funds from a retirement account into a taxable account, without actually selling anything. It’s a tactical move that creates a new cost basis and may reduce future tax exposure. Tune in as we cover how the strategy works, how it compares to a Roth conversion in down markets, and who’s best positioned to use it. Plus more!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

April was a volatile month, and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, Charles looks at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

What if you could be held financially responsible for your parents' unpaid medical or long-term care bills? It’s not a theoretical question- in 25 U.S. states, filial support laws are on the books, and enforcement may be on the rise. In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc shine a spotlight on a little-known legal concept with potentially huge implications for families.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Ever wondered how members of Congress manage to grow their wealth while in office? In this episode, Charles Scott dives into the controversial topic of investing like politicians. We explore the ETFs tracking political investments- NANC and KRUZ- and unpack the historical (and sometimes shady) relationship between lawmakers and insider trading. We'll also touch on why everyday investors might find these political ETFs fascinating (or risky). As always, this discussion is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. But it will definitely make you think… Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:20 – What are NANC and KRUZ ETFs? 2:48 – Which political portfolio performs better? The numbers so far 3:45 – Insider trading was legal for Congress?! 4:58 – The STOCK Act: Why Congress had to make a rule to stop themselves 6:24 – Why political trading ETFs exist today 7:16 – The stress of watching stock prices every day 9:06 – What does "fiduciary" really mean? 12:49 – The reality of

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc dive into the top fears that have been gripping Americans for years according to a recent Chapman University study. From fears of illness to financial instability, they break down why these concerns persist and how modern technology might be amplifying our anxieties. More importantly, they discuss how fear often influences financial decisions and why taking control of what you can manage- your financial strategy- can help bring peace of mind. Then, Charles tackles a listener's question about rebalancing investment portfolios. Is it really necessary, or is it just an arbitrary financial ritual? Tune in to hear Charles' unique take! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:06 – The fear of corrupt government officials 5:01 – Media and information overload 9:57 – The fear of running out of money 11:57 – Listener question on rebalancing Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 74% of retired Americans have enough money to live comfortably- and no, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get there. But there are some mistakes you can actively avoid to steer your financial future in the right direction. In today’s conversation, Charles and Marc will cover 6 retirement blunders that successful American millionaires tend to avoid. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:35 – Investing too conservatively in retirement 4:13 – Forgetting about healthcare costs 9:38 – Spending too much on housing 12:41– Sinking too much money into a car 15:17 – Funding grown children’s lifestyles 17:49 – Mismanaging RMDs 19:32 – Listener question Click HERE to check out the article that inspired today's show   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

In today’s episode, we’re playing a little game of what are the odds? For example, do you know the chances of being in a house fire, or having your car totaled? What about the likelihood of being hospitalized? Listen in as we break down these probabilities and compare them to the chances of having a long-term care event. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:56 – The odds you might be in a house fire 2:59 – The odds your car is totaled 3:58 – The odds of being hospitalized 5:00 – The odds of having a long-term care event 7:05 – The changing landscape of long-term care insurance 9:45 – Listener question: 401(k) income projections Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

As we wrap up the whirlwind that was 2024, many of you at home may be reflecting on the past year- both personally and as a whole. While you’re in that reflective mindset, it’s the perfect time to ask: Are your insurance policies still meeting your needs? Join Charles as he explains the importance of an end-of-year insurance review. Whether it’s life insurance, health insurance, or long-term care insurance, it’s important to stay aware of any updates or adjustments that could impact your policies. You want to make sure that your insurance policies match up with your financial goals! Plus, we’ll tackle a mailbag question about trying to time the market. Don’t miss this week’s insightful show! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:37 – Life insurance 2:25 – Making sure your insurance matches your legacy goals 3:52 – Long-term care 6:09 – Mailbag: why timing the market is a fool’s gambit 9:23 – Market volatility that could come with a new administration   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles recounts a time when he and Sheri helped two sisters navigate a tough financial situation. After watching one of Charles’ webinars, the sisters sought his advice after a troubling annuity product was sold to them. Tune in as Charles explains how they fought for their clients' best interests, ultimately helping them get back nearly $1 million from a poor investment choice. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:52 – The tale of two sisters 7:39 – Doing the right thing 10:02 – Working with the right professional   Resources for this episode: Finra https://www.finra.org/ Broker Check https://brokercheck.finra.org/   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Inflation is one of those financial topics that can feel elusive and often misunderstood. Despite recent reports showing a decline in Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, many of us still haven’t felt any real relief when it comes to our day-to-day expenses. Why does this disconnect exist? Listen in as Charles makes it easy to grasp the impact of inflation on everyday life. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:07 – Milton Friedman’s monetary phenomenon example 4:55 – Government regulation and inflation 7:38 – Compounding effects of inflation 9:20 – Planning for inflation in retirement   Resources for this episode: Money To Apples Charts https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/24/three-on-thursday---inflation-simplified   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Obviously, we all have to pay taxes. But, depending on income levels, some people are paying more into the system than others. In this episode, Charles breaks down exactly who is paying what, using clear charts and visuals to make it easy to understand. This can stir up a lot of frustration, especially if you or someone you know feels they’re shouldering more (or less) of the tax burden than they should. We’ll explore the sources of these frustrations and shed light on where tax dollars come from and how they’re distributed. There’s a lot of valuable insight in this episode that you don’t want to miss, so enjoy the show! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:43 – Who is paying what 6:15 – Where the frustration is coming from 8:32 – Working with a tax professional 10:14 – The impact of tax efficiency on retirement   Are The Wealthy Paying Their Fair Share? https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/10/three-on-thursday---are-the-wealthy-paying-their-fair-share   C

Think of your financial future like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece- whether it's taxes, insurance, retirement accounts, or estate planning- represents a critical part of your financial life. Without the box cover it’s hard to know how each piece fits. Understanding how the pieces of your financial puzzle interact is key to achieving your long-term goals. That’s why having someone to help you put it all together who understands the big picture can be incredibly beneficial. As you listen to this episode, consider how your own financial puzzle is coming together. Do you have a clear view of the box cover? Are there pieces that don't quite fit? Tune in and let’s explore this concept together! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:58 – The key pieces of the retirement puzzle 4:21 – The risks of DIYing your retirement 6:29 – Why you should talk to a professional 8:31 – Finding the right fit 11:41– Listener question Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTu

Long-term care is a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but it is such a critical part of retirement planning. In this week’s episode, Charles and Marc discuss an article from Investment News that highlights some interesting statistics and misconceptions surrounding long-term care. Did you know that three out of four people will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime? Despite this, only a small percentage actually have long-term care insurance. Charles explains how many people mistakenly confuse long-term care insurance with other types of coverage, like disability or health insurance, which can lead to expensive consequences later on. Join us as we explore the realities of long-term care needs and share practical advice on how to approach this important topic with your financial advisor.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:09 – Long-term care misconceptions 5:22 – Average length of long-term care 8:13 – The importance of long-term care discussions 11:31 – Li

We’ve got another listener question episode for you today! Tune in as Charles answers a few questions from podcast listeners like you. In this week’s edition, a listener named Wendy asks if it's okay to have all her 401k money invested in American Funds or if she should diversify into other investments. Charles also tackles a question about how aggressive one’s retirement savings goals should be to retire by 60. He explains how these goals can vary depending on your retirement timeline and shares what future factors you would need to consider. While the right savings amount differs for everyone, Charles walks us through the process of setting those goals. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:07 – Wendy asks “I rolled over a 401k to an advisor a couple of years ago, and he put all the money into something called American Funds. Is that an okay fund, or should I be invested in other things as well? Kind of feels like one thing seems a little weird. What are your thoughts?” 5:07 – Tony asks “I'm 50

According to a recent survey by Bankrate, roughly 25% of Gen Zers and 21% of Millennials are not saving enough for emergencies. This statistic is alarming, considering that 44% of Americans said they couldn't cover a $1,000 emergency out of pocket. What’s causing this? While some claim that inflation is to blame, Charles points out that one of the biggest obstacles to financial stability is financial illiteracy. The lack of financial education in American schools means that many young people feel ill-prepared to manage their finances. Let’s chat about creating healthy financial savings habits and what you can do to set yourself up for success.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:49 – Gen Z and Millennial saving regrets 1:59 – The importance of financial literacy 5:20 – Being responsible over your actions 8:36 – Finding financial resources and advice   Check out the Bankrate article: https://www.bankrate.com/investing/americans-biggest-financial-regrets-survey/   Contact: Phone Num

Ever had that “light bulb” moment when everything just clicks? Retirement planning is full of them. Charles has had many clients experience these moments of clarity throughout the planning process, one of which he’s going to share with us today. If you're ready to experience your own "aha" moment and take control of your retirement planning, reach out to Charles Scott and his team at Pelleton Capital Management.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:34 – A memorable client experience 2:42 – What is the “aha” moment? 5:36 – Intellectually and emotionally owning your plan   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles Scott tackles some common yet critical retirement planning questions from listeners. Charles offers insightful advice on managing portfolios, Social Security benefits, and the importance of risk allocation. He also delves into the pros and cons of consolidating old 401(k) plans and the complexities of having investments, taxes, and legal documents handled by the same firm. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge that could help you make more informed financial decisions for a meaningful retirement.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 1:00 - Mary asks "My portfolio dropped quite a bit earlier this year and then recovered some. But it’s still down a bit from where it was at its peak. I’m retired and rely totally on this money for income because I haven’t started my Social Security. I’ve been wanting to wait until age 70 to start it, but now I’m wondering if I should take it now?" 6:20 - Patrick asks "I have two old 401Ks that I’ve been meaning to rol

In today's episode, we're taking it back to the basics to start 2024 on the right foot. Listen in as we cover the 5 crucial parts of financial planning. From understanding income and expenses to risk management, we'll cover the pillars that make up a comprehensive plan.   Show Notes:  0:48 - Main Topic: 5 Part To Financial Planning 2:00 - Income 4:41 - Tax Planning 8:22 - Estate Planning 11:10 - Investment Planning 14:44 - Risk Management 18:12 - Mailbag: Carl Asks About Selling Land   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/  

In today's episode, we're focusing on a critical aspect of retirement planning: healthcare costs. How well-prepared are you to handle medical expenses after you retire? We'll discuss everything from Medicare complexities to strategies for managing unexpected health-related expenses. Tune in as we break down the essentials of healthcare financial planning for retirees.   Show Notes:  0:45 - Main Topic: Strategic Planning for Retiree Healthcare 1:55 - Misconceptions 4:35 - Major healthcare related expenses 9:36 - Long term care insurance 13:59 - Mailbag: Jenny asks what she should do with her raise   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/

There's a lot going on in the financial industry. In today's episode, Charles is going to address some of the things that are driving him crazy in the community, from the plethora of confusing financial designations to the lack of attention given to long-term care planning. At the end of the episode, Charles answers a listener question about combining finances and discusses the importance of financial communication in a relationship.   Show Notes:  1:05 - Main Topic: What’s Buggin’ Charles? 1:54 - Designations 6:11 - Not Enough Emphasis On Long Term Care Conversations 17:54 - Mailbag: Valerie Asks For Advice On Combining Finances   Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/