234: A Tough Week for America

Normally we start our shows with small talk and social commentary, and then we move into our financial topic for the day. This week was so heavy, though, with all the difficult events happening across the country — an assassination, a school shooting and death threats targeting Black college students. So, that's all we're talking about in this episode. We hope to be back to our usual format next week.

Looking for a way out of the current political climate? You're not alone. Over 5.5 million Americans have already moved abroad. In this episode, we'll tell you where people are going and what's motivating them to leave. We'll also cover the crucial steps to take before you go, including the surprising tax implications of becoming an expat. Plus, we'll share our own recent observations from a trip to London.

This week, we're talking with Lulete Mola, executive director of the Minnesota Black Collective Foundation. As one of the few social justice organizations with an endowment, they're leading the way in funding Black-led nonprofits. Join us as we dive into their work and explore the critical role of strategic planning in philanthropy.

August marks Black Philanthropy Month, a vital initiative launched in 2011 to champion funding equity and uplift philanthropic efforts within communities of African descent. This focus is more critical than ever, as the percentage of funding directed towards Black charities has decreased by over 30% since the surge in giving that followed George Floyd's death. In Part One of this two-part series, we'll dive into the fundamentals of philanthropy from the perspective of non-profit leaders. We'll explore the "5 T's of philanthropy" and discuss effective funding strategies designed to build a sustainable organization. You'll also get an introduction to the Minnesota Black Collective Foundation.

Our employer retirement plans, collectively holding over $12 trillion, are often our largest assets. For years, the conventional wisdom has been to roll these funds into IRAs when changing jobs. However, a troubling trend is emerging: one-third of workers are cashing out their plans when they leave a job, wiping out their savings. We're also seeing a record number of people taking hardship distributions from their 401(k)s, and even social media influencers are encouraging people to cash out their retirement funds entirely. This week, we're diving deep into this alarming trend of mismanaging retirement savings. We'll explore the reasons behind these decisions and, more importantly, provide practical advice on how to get your retirement planning back on track.

Medicaid, the government health insurance program for individuals with limited income and assets, often becomes a crucial consideration for families aiming to protect their savings and preserve inheritances when anticipating significant healthcare costs. The program has always been complex and now it’s getting trickier in the face of steep budget cuts by the Trump administration.  This week, we explore strategies families use to qualify for coverage, including the controversial tactic known as "Medicaid divorce." Join us to understand this emergency lifeline and its implications for your family's financial future.

The tax changes we previewed a few weeks ago are now law. Trump’s OBBBA (we are affectionately calling it the “One Blankity Blank Bill Act”) is set to impact everyone in different ways — delivering big savings for some high income earners, and taking away financial safety nets for others.  Join us this week as we dissect the tax changes and show you how they'll directly affect your pockets. We will also address the elephant in the room…while everyone's focused on lower tax bills, multiple economists project a $3 to $5 trillion surge in our federal budget deficit over the next ten years.

A record three million young adults are heading off to college this fall, and for many parents, this milestone brings a powerful mix of emotions: immense pride, underlying fear, and a touch of heartbreak. But beyond the emotional rollercoaster, there's a sudden, stark reality – your 18-year-old is now legally an adult. This means no more automatic access to their grades or healthcare decisions. Join us as we tackle this significant transition with the help of 3 special guests - the Momentum Advisors' summer interns. We'll explore the landscape of sending your child to college and, importantly, guide you through the legal preparations. We'll also introduce you to the MamaBear website, a valuable resource for preparing the necessary legal documents to help you navigate this new chapter.

Homeowners have access to a record-breaking $35 trillion in home equity. With interest rates uncomfortably high, tapping into that wealth has become complicated. Traditional options like HELOCs and second mortgages are expensive, and new companies are pushing "Home Equity Investments" (HEIs)—deals that often seem too good to be true. On this episode, we break down all your options for accessing your home equity, from understanding the risks of HEIs to exploring the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, HELOCs, and traditional second mortgages. Learn how to unlock your home's cash without risking your financial future.

A perfect 850 FICO score is a rare feat, held by just 1.54% of credit-holding Americans. This aspirational target is becoming even harder to attain as the credit landscape continuously evolves. Join us this week as we break down upcoming changes in credit calculations and put Andrea's credit expertise to the test.