Smart Money Insights

Having your first child is a beautiful (yet scary) life-altering event. However, new parents go gaga over the gadgets and technology designed to ease the stress and worry of their sleep-deprived brains. Wes shares what gadget has tremendously helped him and his wife with their newborn, and what new financial technologies are on the horizon to possibly help you nurture your own finances.

What makes you nervous or anxious? Maybe public speaking or heights? A recent survey finds that 60% of Americans feel anxious when they think about investing in the market… and they’re reluctant to invest because they worry about a potential crash. Wes explains how you can remedy some of your investment fears and tackle other common retirement concerns. And you’ll be surprised to find out what Wes has an irrational fear of! Here’s a hint: It isn’t about money… but it is quite funny!

The mainstream media isn’t saying much about the SECURE Act (Washington’s plan to tap into your retirement accounts), but it’s happening. On this episode, Wes goes through the pros and cons of how this could help some Americans save for the future, but will likely reduce the value of your individual retirement account, and your financial legacy.

Warning: This podcast contains some tough love. It might not be fun to hear, but someone has to say it… and Wes is proud to be the one: Whether it’s for you or your kids, weddings are NOT worth going into debt for! You’re making a lifelong commitment to your spouse, but don’t forget about the commitment you’re making to a bank if you dip into a loan. Wes tells the story of how he and his wife didn’t let societies expectations impact their wedding, and how much joy it has brought them.  

Remember when you were a teenager and received your first paycheck?  It was soooo exciting, until you noticed how much of your check you lost to taxes! Wes shares his 1st paycheck experience, and explains what Uncle Sam has planned for your taxes in the future.   

It’s was sports comeback for the ages when Tiger Woods won his 5th Masters in April of 2019! All of his training and intense focus paid off.  Wes dives into what we can we take away from this moment in sports history to “master” our financial future.

Are you doing anything with your money to help others? We’ll share insight from a highly-respected Heisman Trophy winner, NFL quarter back, football announcer and inspirational speaker about giving. Then Wes and Kristen talk about the importance of giving and serving others, no matter your tax bracket.

Compound Interest: Interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all of the accumulated interest of previous periods of a deposit or loan. – Even the short explanation can be confusing. That’s why Wes brings in his colleague Austin to help him breakdown compound interest in terms that we ALL can understand… And it all starts with some nostalgic stories about growing up and learning about finances as a kid.

We had some volatility on wall street recently.  How do you react to it when it happens to your portfolio?  More importantly, how should you react?  Wes offers ideas on how to handle when it affects you.

Listening to the financial talking heads on Fox Business, CNBC and any network can create major stress and worry about your money.  No one can predict the future of the market, but Wes reveals steps to take to avoid your own personal financial crisis. And there’s great news… One major part, you’re probably already doing right now!

By traveling down memory lane we realize not only how much our day to day lives have evolved, but how our financial opportunities have changed. Yes, everyone’s retirement is different… but Wes reveals the one thing we all do that never changes. And it shouldn’t surprise you too much!

It could be the worst time to retire, at least according the Barron’s article “Rethinking Retirement Rules.” 10 years after the tech bubble, there are still some other bubbles that should be on your radar.  Wes reveals how to be prepared for the next one, and who to talk to for the best insight.

Wes & Kristen slowdown to embrace the warm-heartedness of the holiday season. They discuss maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” throughout the year, appreciating both the big and small things in our lives... even with our finances.

Financial advisors do know a lot, but not everything. We’ll have some fun trying to stump Wes on various retirement topics. And you just might learn more about what others perceive about their financial future!

We sometimes feel intimidated by a few professions: Lawyers, special forces military and brain surgeons come to mind… and often financial advisors too! It’s simply the fear of the unknown and not wanting to be taken advantage of. Wes explains why you shouldn’t fear an advisor, and how to understand them. Plus, he shares how to find the right advisor for you!

Homeownership is part of the American dream, and buying a home is likely the biggest financial purchase of your life.  How do you know when is the right time to buy? Wes weighs the pros and cons to help you decide the best course for you.

Your credit score is a 3-digit number that relates to how likely you are to repay debt. Lenders use it to decide if they can approve you for a credit card or loan. Wes explains the key ingredients to our FICO score, what to look out for, and when to freeze your credit.

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting tool that can be a great option for those who don’t have the patience to track their spending in detailed categories, especially when younger. But there’s also some useful insight for those of us with a little more years on us, and Wes illustrates ways this could help us ALL budget our money a little better.

If you’re told something enough times, you eventually start believing it’s true. We’ve all fallen for a few. On this episode Wes is clearing up some common money myths that will help you stay on track for your financial future!

Football is a lot of fun to both play and watch. In order to win it takes practice, the right game plan and knowledgeable coaching. If you’re interested in being your own financial coach, join Wes as he breaks down the 4 quarters of investing and how they apply to your portfolio.