A recent survey reveals widespread confusion about the definition of inflation, with many people believing it means high prices or a rise in prices, rather than a sustained increase in the cost of goods and services. Economists and financial experts discuss the difference between the financial world's understanding of inflation and the average person's experience, highlighting the importance of understanding the cumulative cost of inflation and its impact on interest rates and investing. [... more]

Financial freedom and independence are possible through biblical wisdom and proper money management. Avoiding debt and following God's principles for managing money can lead to true financial freedom. Understanding investment strategies and retirement planning is crucial for securing one's financial future. [... more]

Underestimating the impact of inflation and investing too conservatively are common retirement planning mistakes. Mark Biller shares insights from a survey of 2,700 financial advisors on the most prevalent errors in retirement planning, including overestimating investment income, underestimating lifespan, and forgetting to account for rising healthcare costs. [... more]

Mark Biller joins Rob West to discuss the most common retirement planning mistakes, including underestimating the impact of inflation, investing too conservatively, and overestimating investment income. They also touch on the importance of planning for at least two decades of retirement and accounting for health care costs. [... more]

Managing credit cards and credit scores requires understanding the impact of closing accounts on one's financial decisions. A diligent approach to credit management can lead to financial stability, while a slack hand can result in poverty. Christians should consider biblical wisdom when making financial decisions, including the use of tax-advantaged accounts for investment properties and the importance of long-term capital gains planning. Effective financial planning involves considering one's goals, risk tolerance, and values when making investment decisions. [... more]

Managing God's money is a high calling, and it's essential to look to God's word for guidance. Online banking has made it easier to manage finances, but it's also created new challenges. Faith-based financial institutions can provide a sense of security and alignment with one's values. Retirement planning, trusts, and estate planning are all crucial aspects of managing one's finances, and seeking the advice of a godly advisor can be invaluable. [... more]

Rob West discusses the importance of stewardship and biblical finance, exploring topics such as investment, financial planning, and reverse mortgages, all while emphasizing the need to prioritize God's word in our financial decisions. [... more]

Managing investment risk is crucial for long-term financial goals. Understanding the risk of playing it too safe can help investors make informed decisions. A well-planned emergency fund, diversified portfolio, and regular financial check-ins can provide peace of mind and ensure a secure financial future. [... more]

Investors need to balance risk management with the potential for long-term growth, as playing it too safe can lead to financial trouble down the road. Recognizing the risk of loss aversion and taking steps to mitigate it, such as diversifying investments and maintaining an emergency fund, can help individuals achieve their financial goals and protect their purchasing power. [... more]

Pilots always review a preflight checklist before taking off because the cockpit is one place you don rsquo t want to encounter surprises Your retirement is another On today's Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will welcome Mark Biller to go over your pre-retirement checklist Then they rsquo ll answer your calls and questions about investing nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Determining your intended retirement age and creating a pre-retirement checklist are crucial steps in planning for a secure financial future. Mark Biller, executive editor at Soundmind Investing, shares his expertise on setting realistic retirement dates, estimating retirement budgets, and managing debt. He also emphasizes the importance of considering living arrangements and guaranteed income in retirement planning. [... more]

If you rsquo re a do-it-yourself investor and not working with a financial advisor you need to periodically look at your asset allocations to make sure you're keeping up with the changing market trends On today's Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will welcome Mark Biller to talk about the process of rebalancing your portfolio Then Rob and Mark will answer your investing questions nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Determining your target asset allocation is a crucial step in managing your investment portfolio. This involves deciding how much of your portfolio to invest in stocks versus bonds, and periodically rebalancing to maintain your target allocation. A financial advisor can help you with this process, or you can use tools like target date funds to automate it. [... more]

Only God knows what the future holds but that doesn't mean we can't prepare for whatever may come So have you figured out what financial moves you need to make to be more prepared in On today's Faith amp Finance Live Mark Biller joins host Rob West to share some great suggestions you can use to shore up your finances Then Rob will answer some calls and questions See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Laying a strong financial foundation is critical, and creating and living on a budget is often the difference between financial success versus financial failure. Mark Biller joins Rob West to discuss the 10 most important financial moves for 2024, covering topics such as spiritual and financial fundamentals, the world around you, and retirement planning. [... more]

When considering investing options bonds are a little mysterious to many people For example when interest rates rise bond prices go down So what's up with that On today's Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will welcome Mark Biller to go over some basic facts about bonds and explain these fixed income securities Then they will answer your investing questions See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Bonds can be a mysterious investment, but understanding bond basics can help you make informed decisions. Mark Biller explains how bond prices move and how interest rates affect bond values, and discusses the role of bond duration in gauging risk. He also touches on the impact of inflation and recession on bond prices, and offers advice on how to approach bond investing in a rapidly changing market. [... more]

Deciding between traditional and Roth IRAs can be a complex process, especially with new tax laws in place. Mark Biller, executive editor at Sound Mind Investing, joins Rob West to discuss the pros and cons of each option and how to create a diversified tax strategy. They explore the benefits of having both traditional and Roth accounts, including flexibility and reduced tax liability, and provide a rule of thumb for determining the right balance between the two. [... more]

Understanding market valuation is crucial for making informed financial decisions. By comparing current valuations to historical data, investors can gain insights into potential future returns. Mark Biller, executive editor at Sound Mind Investing, explains how to measure market valuation and its implications for long-term investment strategies. [... more]

Gold has failed to meet expectations in recent years, despite high inflation and uncertainty, with interest rates playing a significant role in its price. Mark Biller from Sound Mind Investing explains why gold is cheaper today than it was in 2020, and how interest rates affect its performance. He also discusses the importance of having a small allocation of physical gold and using gold ETFs to supplement that allocation. [... more]