Our 2 Cents

Welcome to back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts give Magic 8 Ball responses to top financial questions a chance. Then, they discuss Goldman Sachs's stocks prediction for the decade. Listen in now using a link below!Magic 8 Ball Financial Guidance:In the spirit of Halloween, we're seeking financial advice from a Magic 8 Ball because sometimes, a little mystery leads us to smart decisions.Are You Afraid of Sachs's Stocks Prediction?:Discover whether stocks are heading toward a "lost decade" and learn what actions you can take to protect your investments.

Welcome to another fantastic episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's episode, Steve and Gabriel explore changes to some familiar financial opportunities and provide a broad overview of how presidential elections do or don’t impact financial markets. Then, they break down more financial wisdom from celebrities. Listen in now using a link below!Gabriel's 'Quick Hits':Learn how much the price of a Mega Millions lottery ticket is going up and what the 2024 Social Security COLA adjustment will be.The Financial Impact of a Presidential Election:In light of the upcoming election, uncover essential financial insights on U.S. presidential elections and market trends.More Celebrity Financial Advice:Explore more interesting celebrity quotes that we transform into thoughtful financial takeaways.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. On today's episode, the hosts discuss some memorable companies that have closed their doors throughout the years. Then, they break down some valuable financial wisdom from the most unlikely of sources. Listen in now using a link below!Gone Out of Business:Uncover which of your favorites companies have gone out of business and the reasons behind their downfall.Celebrity Financial Advice:Explore some insightful quotes from famous celebrities that we transform into thoughtful financial takeaways.

Steve and Gabriel are back with a new episode of Our 2 Cents where they discuss the impact of the Fed's interest rate cut on your financial outlook and address the key "what ifs" surrounding financial risk-taking. Then, they answer some insightful listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!Fed Interest Rate Cut:For the first time in 4 years, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, marking a shift from their previous tightening, to help stimulate economic growth.Financial Risk-Taking:Understand investor perspectives on financial risk-taking and explore effective strategies to address potential concerns.Listener Questions:"I recently remarried, and we both lost our previous spouses to cancer in the last five years. We’re in our late 60s, each with three kids, and he has more assets than I do. How can we ensure his kids inherit his wealth while also securing my financial future if I outlive him?" - Linda"My 64-year-old husband wants to work another decade, but I think we h

Welcome back to another great episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's show, Steve and Gabriel share which former Chicago Bulls star finally found a buyer for his iconic mansion. Then, they answer the question on everyone's mind: How do financial advisors get paid? Listen in now using a link below!Finally Sold:After 12 years on the market, this 32,683-square-foot Highland Park estate, often remarked as a popular tourist destination, is now under contract with the selling price unknown.How Do Financial Advisors Get Paid?:Uncover the various pay structures of financial advisors and what they mean for your financial future.Learn about the different types of financial advisors, their potential biases, and the pros and cons for each compensation model.

After a brief break, we are glad to be back with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's show, the hosts dive into a bank "glitch" trend gone wrong and explain how some quirky phobias connect to the world of finance. Then, they share key tax planning strategies as the year comes to a close. Listen in now using a link below!Chase Bank "Glitch":A series of viral videos reveals how some individuals, believing they could withdraw free money from ATMs, were unknowingly engaging in check fraud.Unusual Fears and Financial Planning:Explore the hardest to pronounce phobias and how they can reflect some of the most common financial concerns.Year-End Tax Planning Strategies:Discover proactive steps to reduce your tax burden as we approach the end of the year.

Welcome to another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's show, the hosts unpack the latest with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) regulations. Then, they explain the significance of having a "retirement jersey." Listen in now using a link below!New Rules to RMDs:Explore the newly added and complex regulations surrounding RMDs, specifically related to inherited IRAs.Gain insights on how to navigate these changes and their impact on your financial plans.Your Retirement Jersey:Discover how your retirement plan is like a football jersey—where every detail can shape your financial future.

We are glad to be back with another episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's episode, Steve and Gabriel share some inspirational quotes of the month and answer some more of the most common "How Do You Know?" financial questions. Then, they explore big regrets many retirees have had. Listen in now using a link below!Quotes of the Month:"The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus." - Bruce Lee"Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace." - Randy ArmstrongHow Do You Know?:How do you know when you're financially ready to retire?How do you know which retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.) are the best options?How do you know if your retirement plan is tax-efficient?Big Retirement Regrets:Discover what 5 regrets retirees wish they could change and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Welcome to an informative episode of Our 2 Cents! On today's episode, Steve and Gabriel share the economic impact of hosting the Olympics and a lesson on how to avoid those pesky financial scammers. Then, they answer some common "How Do You Know?" financial questions. Listen in now using a link below!The Cost of the Olympics:Explore the advantages and disadvantages for countries hosting the Olympics and how this influences the infrastructure and lives of city residents.The Red Flags of Financial Scammers:Discover how one man's encounter with scammers devastated his retirement.Learn the red flags to watch for to avoid falling victim to financial scams.How Do You Know?:How do you know how much income you'll need when you retire?How do you know if the fees in your portfolio are too high?How do you know if you can trust your advisor?How do you know how much money you should have in your savings account?

We are back with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts recap some key takeaways from their Mid-Year Market & Economic Update webinar and share the secrets to shedding stress in the world's "blue zones." Finally, they review how money can buy happiness or at least be a major contributor to it. Listen in now using a link below!Mid-Year Market & Economic Update Webinar Summary:Learn Steve and Gabriel's perspectives on the current stock market performance, various factors impacting the economy, and a potential bubble on the horizon.Stress Less in Blue Zones:Uncover the secrets from those who live in "blue zones" and what is contributing to their longevity.Money CAN buy happiness:Discover how this study's findings demonstrate how your financial income can be a driving factor to your happiness.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share inspirational quotes and reveal tips from a 104-year-old "Lobster Lady" on how she maintains her long life. Then, they tackle common financial fibs and how to overcome them. Listen in now using a link below!Quotes of the Month:"A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true." - Greg S. Reid"Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small." - Sun Tzu  Tips for a Long Life:Uncover the secrets to a long and happy life from the 104-year-old "Lobster Lady," whose longevity habits and passion for lobster trapping keep her thriving. Money Fibs You Tell Yourself:Discover the most common limiting beliefs about money and learn how to adopt a healthier financial mindset.

After a short break, we return with another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts explore the world of pensions and the various options they offer. Then, they explain the inside scoop with cash traps and answer some thoughtful listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!Navigating Your Pension:As pensions offer a variety of options, many individuals often ponder the advantages and disadvantages of opting for a lump sum.Discover the differences between pension choices and ways to maximize your savings.  What is a Cash Trap?:Learn the meaning of a cash trap and how tying up your funds now can affect future growth.Gain insights into the advantages of adopting a broader perspective amidst periods of high inflation rates.Listener Questions:"I'm paying off my house soon and my pension, Social Security, and my husband's Social Security will add up to my monthly expenses amount. Should I stop putting more money in my 401k?" - Maria&q

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! On today's episode, the hosts share a harder part of owning a pet and the hidden costs of veterinarian practices. Then, with Independence Day coming up, they will explore what it truly means to be able to achieve financial independence. Listen in now using a link below!The Price of Being a Pet Owner:As animal medicine becomes more high-tech, veterinarian prices increase, causing major concern for pet owners and their wallets.Uncover how private equity firms are utilizing animal hospitals in a strategic yet deceptive way.  What is Financial Freedom?:Learn the meaning of financial freedom and ways to achieve it with your budget and lifestyle choices.Discover how to spend your earnings without feeling guilty and bound by financial burdens.

After a short break, we return with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts are excited to explore the economic effects of this heat wave and the new Illinois's DMV on-the-go program. Then, they discuss ways to manage those pesky RMDs. Listen in now using a link below!The Economic Impact of 2024 Heat Wave:As this year's scorching heat continues to increase, learn how this heat wave negatively affects economic growth and productivity for many industries.  Illinois's First Mobile DMV:Hate waiting in long lines at the DMV and wish it could just come to you? With the Illinois's 'DMV on Wheels' program, your wish is coming true. Managing RMDs Overview:Discover multiple ways to approach RMDs and reduce RMD amounts that best suit your retirement needs.Determine if a QLAC will be a helpful component in your retirement plan and what other alternatives are offered.

Welcome back to Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! The hosts begin the show with their spin on some of Yogi Berra's famous quotes, then they discuss the possible revival of a tool that had a major impact on the 2008 Housing Crisis. Listen in now using a link below!Yogi-isms and 2024 Baseball Stats:Discover legendary baseball player, Yogi Berra's "wise" words turned into financial advice including, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." and "It ain't over 'til it's over." Plus, a quick check-in on how well (or not well) the White Sox, Cubs, and Yankees are performing this baseball season.  Housing-Bubble Era Comeback:June is National Homeownership Month, so let’s take a look at a headline that immediately caught our attention.  History is repeating itself, as zero-down mortgages return, offering hope as well as risks.Understand the implications of a no-down-payment home loan and how to determine if it is a good choice for you.

Welcome to another great episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit! They are excited to share the cicada craze this year, how to not make any big financial decisions based on predictions, and their financial take on money management with some listener questions. Listen in now using a link below!Cicada Emergence 2024:Learn about the rare occurrence of two broods of cicadas appearing together at the same time this year and how they make their "lovely" screeching noises.  Morgan Stanley's Poor Predictions:A Morgan Stanley exec went back on his own word for the S&P 500 target, as he realized the market did not take a turn for the worse.Discover why it's in your best interest to not make a financial decision based a prediction.  Write-In Article Question & Listener Questions: Write-In: "Do I continue with my current financial adviser or is it time to DIY?""I’m recently divorced and have just received money in a QDRO as part of our settlement. What are my options

We’ve got another new episode of Our 2 Cents for you this week! Steve and Gabriel kick things off with traveling advice you can use this summer. Then, they share some eye-opening cost comparisons underscoring the impact of inflation on our pockets. Listen in now using a link below!Summer Travel Tips:We've got the best time and destinations to travel this summer to make your vacation getaways a breeze.Learn how to travel smart through cost-effective strategies to create an enjoyable, yet affordable trip. Inflation Data in Perspective:Recent data demonstrates that inflation rates have cooled just slightly, although still not where the Fed wants to be. Can you believe this fast-food giant’s price increases over the last decade? Plus, their small attempt to bring back customers.Understand 'shrinkflation' and how this country is taking a stand against such practices for the benefit of consumers. Can You Really Get Paid to Move?: Learn what a "relocation package" is and why some U.S cities

We are back this week with another episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. They are excited to share how to work through the challenge of making financial decisions and the benefits of simplicity when planning for retirement. Listen in now using a link below!The Difficulty in Financial Decision-Making:Discover that people who view themselves as emotional thinkers have a more difficult time processing and making financial decisions.Learn how reframing and using more practical thinking can better your approach to making decisions with your finances. Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:"It's not who you are that holds back, it's who you think you're not." - Denis Waitley"Investing should be like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." - Paul Samuelson The Benefits of Simplicity in Investing:Understand how diversification, patience, and time are keys to a simpler approach to investing.How the concept of Bucke

Welcome back to this week's episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel Lewit. In this episode, the hosts share saving tactics useful for all ages and how inheritance does not have to be a difficult discussion. Listen in now using a link below!Chicago Bears Update:With the debut of the new Quarterback, there is renewed hope for this upcoming season.The new Bears stadium causes uproar with mixed reviews and its use of taxpayer money.Saving Strategies at Every Age:In your 20s, develop a habit of saving in tax-free accounts and consider more aggressive investments.In your 30s, navigate career growth and family planning through managing current expenses and financial goals.In your 40s/50s, plan for the future while hitting your peak earning potential by hiring a financial planner.In your 60s, ensure a peaceful retirement by being mindful of your spending.Inheritance Conversations:Learn how an open approach to discussing inheritance can lead to clarity and harmony among family members.

We are back this week with a pensive episode of Our 2 Cents with Steve and Gabriel. They take a deep dive in discovering the magic number for retirement and explore a new AI invention that will having you thinking! Listen in now using a link below!Gabriel's Quotes of the Month:"I'm going to retire and live off my savings. What I'll do the second day, I have no idea." – Unknown "A good plan, executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week." – George PattonWhat's the Real Magic Retirement Number?:Discover that the magic retirement number is not what you may think.People tend to overestimate the amount they need to retire, and we'll share why that is.We'll discuss how you can calculate your own retirement number.Humane AI Pin:Learn about the Humane AI Pin, a new artificial intelligence (AI) product designed to potentially replace your smartphone.