The Financial Foundry Podcast

Small Business Retirement Plans Part 2: Advanced Options

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Choosing Small Business Retirement Plans In this episode of the Financial Foundry Podcast, we discuss common mistakes small business owners make when selecting retirement plans, such as choosing the wrong plan type, not fulfilling employer contribution obligations, and errors in employee eligibility and enrollment. We also explore advanced retirement planning strategies like the 7702 life insurance strategy, cash balance plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, stressing the importance of professional advice to navigate these complex options. Tune in for tips on optimizing your retirement plan and avoiding pitfalls.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:08 Common Mistakes in Retirement Plan Selection
03:07 Avoiding Employer Contribution Pitfalls
03:58 Eligibility Rules and Plan Document Updates
05:07 Fiduciary Responsibilities and Professional Help
07:11 Advanced Retirement Strategies
07:37 Cash Value Life Insurance Strategy
12:23 Cash Balance Plans and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
15:08 Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
15:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Small Business Retirement Plans: Part 1

Essential Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners: Part 1 In this episode of the Financial Foundry podcast, Dan Mueller delves into crucial retirement planning options for small business owners. The discussion covers the significance of retirement planning, factors to consider when choosing a plan, and detailed analyses of SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and Traditional 401(k)s. Dan outlines the pros, cons, and suitability of each plan to help business owners make informed decisions. A follow-up episode will address common mistakes and additional layered options for high earners.
00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners
02:23 Key Questions Before Choosing a Retirement Plan
06:36 SEP IRA: Simplified Employee Pension
12:17 SIMPLE IRA: Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees
17:41 Solo 401k: Ideal for Owner-Only Businesses
24:03 Traditional 401k: Comprehensive Retirement Plan
30:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

A Fresh and Simple Look at Estate Planning

Essential Estate Planning for Middle-Income Families In this episode of the Financial Foundry podcast, we dive into the crucial topic of estate planning, focusing on families with assets ranging from $1 million to $5 million. Learn why estate planning matters, the key documents you need—such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—and the costs involved. Plus, discover how financial advisors can support you throughout this process, ensuring your family's financial security and carrying out your legacy. Ideal for anyone looking to protect their assets and loved ones, this episode demystifies estate planning with practical insights and real-life examples.
00:00 Introduction to Estate Planning
01:21 Why Estate Planning Matters
06:35 Essential Estate Planning Documents
18:05 Costs of Estate Planning
23:25 Role of Financial Advisors in Estate Planning
35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How Much Do You Really Need to Retire?

Mastering Retirement: Understanding the 4% Rule
In this episode of the Financial Foundry podcast, host Dan Mueller dives into retirement planning, particularly focusing on how long your savings can sustain you using the 4% rule. Mueller challenges listeners to calculate their true spending and uses a simple formula to determine the target nest egg needed for retirement. The episode covers essential points like adjusting spending habits, understanding risks such as sequence of return and longevity, and the importance of diversification and discipline. Mueller also tackles common questions about taxes, early retirement, and social security, providing practical tips to help listeners refine their retirement plans.
00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning
01:05 Calculating Your Retirement Needs
03:11 Understanding the 4% Rule
04:01 Guardrails and Risks of the 4% Rule
06:05 Mindset Shifts for Financial Independence
09:40 Practical Tips for Retirement Planning
11:13 Common Questions and Final Thoughts
 

Weekly Market Insights: April 25, 2025

Market Shifts: Google Antitrust Ruling, Tariff Rollbacks, and Fed Independence
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:34 Google Antitrust Case Breakdown
02:47 Impact of Tariff Rollbacks
06:00 Federal Reserve Controversy
07:41 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Renting vs. Buying: Making the Right Financial Choice

Renting vs. Buying: Making the Right Financial Choice
 
00:00 Introduction to Renting vs. Buying
01:52 The Real Costs of Renting
03:52 Financial Pros and Cons of Renting
06:00 The Real Costs of Buying a Home
09:16 Financial Pros and Cons of Buying
11:30 Key Considerations for Your Decision
14:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Market and Economic Indicators: Weekly Market Insights, April 18th

Weekly Market Insights: Trade Tensions and Their Impact on Stocks, Housing, and Economic Indicators - April 14-18.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:55 Monday Market Rally
02:06 Tuesday's Market Calm
02:44 Wednesday's Tech Tumble
04:50 Thursday's Economic Indicators
06:06 Housing Market Insights 1
0:11 Market Performance Recap 1
2:13 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Should You Hire a Financial Advisor?

The True Value of Financial Advisors: Beyond Investments In this episode of the Financial Foundry Podcast, Dan Mueller explores the comprehensive role of a true financial advisor. The episode highlights the benefits of holistic financial planning, from budgeting and goal setting to tax planning and retirement strategies. Emphasizing the importance of professional guidance, the discussion covers common concerns about costs, control, and trust, providing listeners with insights on how financial advisors can significantly improve their financial outcomes and peace of mind. The episode concludes with actionable advice for those considering professional financial planning services.
00:00 Introduction to Financial Advisors
00:27 The Evolution of Financial Advisors
01:22 The Importance of Comprehensive Financial Planning 01:57 DIY Financial Management vs. Professional Guidance 03:12 The Role of a Financial Planner
06:23 Budgeting and Saving with a Planner
08:14 Setting and Achieving Financial Goals
10:22 Retirement Planning
12:18 Investment Management and Portfolio Strategy
15:41 Tax Planning and Efficiency
18:13 Estate and Legacy Planning
20:31 Emotional Discipline in Financial Planning
23:53 Addressing Common Concerns About Financial Planners 28:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tariffs, Bonds, and More Tariffs: Weekly Market Insights - April 7th

Market Swings and Bond Market Chaos: Insights from April 2025 In this episode of the Financial Foundry Podcast, host Dan Mueller breaks down the significant volatility and market dynamics of the week. Key highlights include fluctuations in the S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq driven by tariff tensions with China, historic market gains following tariff pauses, and subsequent declines. The podcast delves into inflation trends, the impacts of tariffs on consumer prices, and potential Federal Reserve actions. Additionally, Dan explains the complexities of the bond market, its recent turmoil triggered by tariff policies, and how this affects broader economic indicators.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:43 Weekly Market Rundown
03:40 Inflation and Tariff Impacts
07:07 Bond Market Chaos Explained
08:31 Bond Market Primer
11:14 Recent Bond Market Events
14:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Taxes 101 - Everything You Should Have Learned in School

Understanding Taxes: Making the Complex Simple
 
In this episode of the Financial Foundry podcast, host Dan Mueller offers a comprehensive guide to understanding taxes. He breaks down essential topics such as tax brackets and the progressive tax system, marginal and effective tax rates, federal income tax withholdings, common tax forms, and differentiating between earned and investment income. The episode is designed to make taxes more accessible and less intimidating, providing clear explanations and practical examples for listeners at various stages of their financial journeys. Dan also discusses adjusting withholdings, itemized deductions versus standard deductions, and the impact of tax credits. Tune in to gain confidence in managing your taxes and ensuring you don't miss any potential savings.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Financial Foundry Podcast
02:04 Understanding Tax Brackets
05:16 Tax Withholdings Explained
09:19 Common Tax Forms You Need to Know
14:16 Filing Your Federal Income Taxes: Form 1040
23:16 Different Types of Income and Their Tax Implications
31:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts