237: Big Changes to the Same Old 401(k)

The government has shutdown every 2-3 years on average over the past 50 years. However, many people are worried that it feels different this time. While we may not be in a recession, we are experiencing a “growth scare” - a rise in economic anxiety. Join us this week as we break down strategies for surviving this crucial moment.

The retirement account that has been around for nearly 50 years hasn’t changed much… until now. Starting next year, everything is different. We’re diving into the major new investment options—private equity, hedge funds, and crypto—that could redefine your portfolio. We also cover major changes to "catch-up" contributions for high-income earners over 50. Tune in this week for the breakdown you need to maximize your retirement savings under the new rules.

Did you know your ability to negotiate directly impacts your ability to create wealth? This week, we are helping you to stop leaving money on the table. We sit down with attorney and author Damali Peterman, who literally wrote the book on the subject. She'll reveal the key principles you need to persuade people and get what you want, whether it’s a higher salary, a better home price, or a more beneficial business deal. Tune in to learn the secrets that will turn you into a master negotiator.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a crucial part of our daily lives. With economists estimating that this technology could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, a key question remains: are you positioned to profit from this growth? This week we are breaking down all the ways you can invest in AI, from individual stocks to specialized funds, ensuring you don't miss out on this generational opportunity. Sent from my iPhone

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.