2024’s Best Stocking Stuffer: 10 Ideas for Financial Freedom

The Fork In The Road The holiday season is here, and while you’re stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we’re unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actionable ideas to help you save smarter,...

Mailbag: Should I Invest In Gold?

The Fork In The Road We have 4 great listener questions to answer today. Jan asks if she should withdraw all her money from an annuity now that the penalty period has ended. Andy asks whether he should invest in gold, and, if so, whether gold coins or gold bars...

What Financial Advisors Wish Every Investor Knew

The Fork In The Road Imagine you could read your financial advisor’s mind before you even walked through the door for the first time. What would they want you to know? In this episode, we bring you the game-changing insights financial pros wish every saver and investor understood. Plus, Barbara...

Retirement Mailbag: Roth Conversions, Debt Management, and Trusts Explained

The Fork In The Road Barbara Lane and Phil Guske answer listener questions on a variety of retirement planning topics. From Roth conversions and their tax implications to strategies for paying off debt while still saving for retirement, they cover key considerations for anyone approaching retirement. Barbara and Phil also...

Celebrity Advice Could Save Your Retirement: Unlikely Financial Wisdom

The Fork In The Road You wouldn’t necessarily expect Mike Tyson, Kim Kardashian, and Snooki to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you’d probably expect the opposite. But with a little bit of creativity, we can get some financial planning pearls of wisdom from even the most...

Mailbag: How Should I Handle My Pension and Next Steps After a Layoff?

The Fork In The Road We have several great financial planning questions to cover in this week's mailbag episode. Steve asks how to decide between taking his pension as a lump sum or as monthly income, and what other factors he should consider as he plans for his upcoming layoff...

Unlock Your Potential During National Financial Planning Month

The Fork In The Road With National Financial Planning Month upon us, we’re sitting down with Barbara and Phil to uncover the strategies and steps that go into building a personalized financial plan. From that first phone call to implementing a strategy that aligns with your goals, this discussion will...

Mailbag: Is 15-20 Times My Salary Enough To Retire?

The Fork In The Road In this mailbag episode, Marty asks if the recommendation of having 15 to 20 times your annual salary in savings for a comfortable retirement is accurate. Kim asks whether she should continue interviewing more financial advisors to find the perfect one or if she's being...

6 Lies You Might Be Telling Yourself About Money

The Fork In The Road Are you telling yourself financial lies? Discover the top 6 lies people often tell themselves about money and retirement. Some of these could be severely holding you back, so stay tuned! Click the play button to listen to this episode! Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon...

Mailbag: Your Questions About Social Security, Roth Conversions, Rollovers & More!

The Fork In The Road In today’s episode, we tackle your burning questions about retirement planning. Our first mailbag question comes from Mary, who is concerned about her portfolio’s performance and whether she should start taking Social Security now or wait until age 70. Matt asks about converting large amounts...

Retirement Rebels: Winning Your Financial Independence

The Fork In The Road Celebrate the spirit of July 4th with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of Financial Independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, we’re here to discuss what you’re striving to be independent from in your retirement. Click the play...

Mailbag: Should I Roll Over My Old 401k with Impressive Returns?

The Fork In The Road It's a mailbag edition of the show today! We've got four great questions coming your way. Hazel asks for a checklist of financial priorities to address before she retires from her job at the hospital. Joseph asks whether he should proceed with rolling over his...

The Beauty of Simplicity When Planning For Retirement

The Fork In The Road Retirement planning doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn’t have to be as complicated as some people make it. In our next episode, we unravel the unnecessary complexities often woven into the fabric of retirement advice. We’ll debunk some myths, simplify strategies, and...

Mailbag: Retirement Dates, RMDs, Social Security & More!

The Fork In The Road We've got four great questions that we'll cover in today's mailbag episode. Tony asks whether, as a pastor, it's advisable for him to opt out of Social Security. David's wife is nine years younger than him, and he wonders if he should take out a...

Practical Strategies for Protecting Retirees Against Scams & Fraud

The Fork In The Road As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today’s retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn...

Best of Mailbag Questions (Part 2)

The Fork In The Road We're back with another special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled more of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. In this week's show, Barbara and Phil talk about making financial decisions after a...

Best of Mailbag Questions

The Fork In The Road We've got a special edition of the podcast for you today! We've pulled some of our favorite mailbag questions from prior episodes and compiled them into one conversation for you. Stay tuned as Barbara and Phil discuss tax laws, pensions for federal employees, traveling in...

Mailbag: Gifting Money, Financial Indecision, Retirement Spending, and More!

The Fork In The Road Welcome back to the Retirement Pathfinder. We've got some mailbag questions for you to enjoy today! Dorothy wishes to financially support her daughter and grandchild, who are facing challenges due to the newborn's extended hospital stay, but isn't sure about the tax implications and feasibility....