Medicare may be one of the most important and confusing financial decisions you make in retirement Between enrollment deadlines late penalties Medicare Advantage Medigap prescription coverage and income-based premiums there are plenty of decisions to navigate And because some choices can have long-term financial consequences understanding the basics before you enroll is an important part of wise stewardship Eddie Holland Senior Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Blue Trust as well as a CFP CPA and Certified Kingdom Advisor recently joined Faith Finance to help simplify Medicare and explain some of the most important planning considerations Understanding Medicare Parts A [... more]

An estimated trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers to their heirs by marking one of the largest transfers of wealth in history And women are expected to play a particularly significant role Sharon Epps President of Kingdom Advisors joined the show today to discuss this historic shift and the opportunity it presents for women to approach wealth with wisdom preparation and biblical faithfulness Why Women Are at the Center of the Wealth Transfer Economists have been talking about the Great Wealth Transfer for years but it is no longer simply a future prediction The transfer is already underway [... more]

Reverse mortgages have carried a negative reputation for years especially among Christians who are cautious about debt But as with any financial tool faithful stewardship calls us to understand how it works before deciding whether it belongs in a financial plan Harlan Accola leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage a FaithFi underwriter He joined the show today to explain why reverse mortgages remain controversial how today's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage HECM differs from older products and when it might play a useful role in retirement planning Why Are Christians Hesitant About Reverse Mortgages For many believers the hesitation [... more]

Risk is unavoidable in investing and in life But not all risks deserve equal attention It is easy to focus primarily on the probability that something will happen If an investment career move or financial strategy has a high likelihood of succeeding we may assume it is a good decision But Mark Biller Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing suggests another question may be even more important If things go wrong how wrong could they go That shift from focusing on probabilities to considering consequences can help us make wiser financial decisions and protect ourselves from risks that could permanently [... more]

Harlan Akola explains how a reverse mortgage can be a tax-efficient way to manage retirement income, while Rob West discusses strategies for building credit and managing debt, emphasizing the importance of God's wisdom in financial decisions. [... more]

God owns everything, and as stewards, we must surrender and trust in His plan for our finances. This biblical wisdom guides us in making wise decisions about money, giving, and investing, and Certified Kingdom Advisors can provide expert guidance and support. By prioritizing faith-based financial guidance, we can live out our values and make decisions that honor God. [... more]

Retirees often face uncertainty about how to approach tithing in retirement, as income sources can be irregular and come from multiple sources. Certified Kingdom Advisors offer guidance on two practical frameworks for tithing in retirement, one focusing on tithing on the portion that represents increase or growth, and the other on tithing on income as it's received. The goal is faithful and joyful giving, not a math equation, and Scripture emphasizes the importance of giving out of the heart, not just following a formula. [... more]

Deciding on Medicare options, including original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, is a crucial decision for retirees. Understanding the differences between these options, as well as the impact of income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMA), can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage and financial planning. [... more]

Many retirees have spent decades building equity in their homes, but could that equity become a wise tool for stewardship in the next season of life? A reverse mortgage can be a flexible, optional payment loan that allows homeowners to use part of their equity without losing their home or having to sell it. However, some people feel unnecessary guilt when thinking about this option, and it's essential to understand the myths and realities of reverse mortgages to make informed financial decisions. [... more]

Harlan Akola joins the show to discuss how bringing home equity into financial plans can change everything, especially for retirees. He explains how home equity can function as a third bucket alongside income and investments, and how using it strategically can help preserve investment accounts longer. The conversation also touches on the importance of timing and the best way to use money, as well as the role of stewardship in managing financial resources. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

A North Carolina House Select Committee is recommending broad changes to the state's mental health and criminal justice systems to reduce violent incidents and address untreated mental illness. The committee aims to improve access to mental health services, increase the mental health workforce, and enhance data collection and sharing between state agencies. [... more]

Understanding the three-legged stool of retirement income, Americans rely on Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings, with individual retirement accounts playing a crucial role. Mark Biller breaks down the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, discussing tax implications, contribution limits, and eligibility. He also shares practical advice on setting up business finances, including separating personal and business accounts, choosing a simple accounting system, and treating taxes as a bill to be paid. [... more]

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani now says he is forced to raid the rainy day fund retiree benefit fund and to increase property taxes while trying to freeze rent The Biden official who created the 'Disinformation' Board is appointed as FISA Court Adviser French President Macron claims Free speech is pure BS Dana breaks down how GOP Rep Randy Fine rightfully CALLED OUT the Islamists over the commentary to his dog tweet following news that Million dogs are going to be massacred by firing squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup Whoopi Goldberg reveals on The View that she is in [... more]

A major nor'easter dumped record-setting snowfalls across many counties in North Carolina, with all 100 counties seeing some trace amounts of snow. The state braced for winter weather for the second weekend in a row, with portions of Carteret County leading the state in snowfall totals. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported over 1,100 total car accidents and 1,600 calls for service, with two fatal crashes occurring in Robeson and Rutherford counties. Governor Josh Stein urged drivers to stay off the roads, and a winter weather advisory was issued for much of the state. Meanwhile, Duke Energy prepared for the extreme cold by requesting an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy, and the state health plan faced a 14-year-old lawsuit over retiree health benefits. [... more]

A major winter storm is approaching North Carolina, prompting Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. The state's emergency response team has been activated, and crews are pre-treating roads with brine and restocking salt supplies. Meanwhile, a lawsuit over the state health plan has been ongoing for 14 years, with the state health plan seeking to have the state Supreme Court revisit its ruling. Additionally, a company called ComScope has canceled a major manufacturing expansion in Catawba County, and UNC Chapel Hill is poised to break ground on a major campus expansion in 2027. [... more]

A 60-year-old single retiree seeks advice on managing her annuity and diversified accounts, while a listener in Wisconsin considers investing in the stock market instead of purchasing a rental property. A couple in Florida explores the option of a reverse mortgage to supplement their retirement income, and a listener in Illinois asks about the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. [... more]

Creating a new baby financial checklist involves adding the newborn to health insurance, updating life insurance, building an emergency fund, and setting up an education savings fund. It's also essential to update taxes and consider a credit freeze. For retirees, investing in a 50-50 portfolio of stocks and fixed-income investments is a good starting point, and considering faith-based investing options can help align investments with values. [... more]

A certified financial planner discusses common myths about wealth and investing, including the idea that performance is the ultimate success and the importance of considering the impact of investments on people and places. She also addresses questions from listeners on topics such as Social Security benefits, investing in a Roth IRA, and managing debt. [... more]

Many people are confident about their retirement prospects, but a disconnect between worker optimism and actual preparedness exists. Inflation and potential changes to the American retirement system are top concerns. Workers can learn from today's retirees, who often retire earlier than planned due to health issues or changes at work. Building a realistic retirement plan and communicating with spouses about financial goals are essential steps towards a comfortable retirement. [... more]