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A New Financial Conversation

The Dollar Derail

Guide Financial Planning's Ben Wacek joins Zach Ashburn of Reach Strategic Wealth on Christian financial podcast The Dollar Derail for some quick conversations to change your financial train of thought.

The Dollar Derail is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security.


Episode 2.6: How We See It - Taxes

Taxes may be the single most common area where clients feel at a disadvantage. Complex rules, competing strategies, poor communication from experts, and several behavioral biases work together to make it a topic many of us would rather avoid. In today's episode, Ben and Zach talk through how they have come to view taxation as an exciting subject and why they think it may be one of the biggest areas of value that come from the financial planning process. You'll learn how their perspective has changed as they've practiced as professional advisors and how they simplify reviewing tax topics to make it easier to understand for their clients.

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Episode 2.5: How We See It - Insurance

In Part 2 of this special series on How We See It, Ben and Zach talk through how they as advisors view insurance. In this episode, they talk through their perspective on various types of insurance, what a policy's true purpose is, and how they go about reviewing a policy when it lands on their desk. Join in this special conversation to get a real look at how professional advisors simplify reviews of complex subjects.

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Episode 2.4: How We See It - Portfolios

In this episode, we are starting a special series where Ben and Zach are giving you a look at how they see things as advisors when they analyze client situations. Today you'll hear an overview of their different thought processes for reviewing a new investment portfolio when it comes to their firm.

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Episode 2.3: What is Mental Accounting?

Zach is coming to you solo in this special episode to share something that's been showing up a lot lately. Mental accounting is the phrase used to talk about a set of biases that make up our (financial) decision making framework. Put simply, we're talking about how we view our money and how we assign our dollars value.

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Episode 2.2: When Should I Go Into Debt?

Debt can be a challenging financial and emotional issue. It can challenge your relationships and your values as well as your financial health. In this episode, Ben and Zach discuss what debt really is and when, if ever, you should consider using it as a tool to reach your financial goals. Along the way, you'll hear tips on managing debts you may already have and having better conversations with your partner about your (and their) debt.

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Episode 2.1: How Much Life Insurance do I Need?

In today's episode, Ben and Zach discuss how to determine how much life insurance you need and when you might not need any at all. Along the way, you'll hear a few tips on having these challenging conversations from experts who regularly help couples navigate the subject.

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Episode 1.50: An Important Question from Ben & Zach

Today we are celebrating an entire year of The Dollar Derail! Don't miss this special episode as we recap what The Dollar Derail is, what it has meant to use, and what we're looking forward to in the hear ahead. Listen all the way to the end to find out exactly how we need your help to make The Dollar Derail even better for Season 2!

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Episode 1.49: Should I Buy an Annuity?

Annuities are complex financial products that are often sold as a one-size-fits-all solution. The push for annuity sales, as well as the high expenses of many annuity products, has given them a poor reputation. In this episode, we discuss what annuities really are, why this reputation doesn't tell the whole story, and most importantly, when they may be a good fit and when they should be avoided.

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Episode 1.48: Should I Invest in Cryptocurrency?

In this episode, Ben and Zach have a conversation around today's hottest topic, investing in cryptocurrency. They offer opinions and perspective from the experience and conversations with clients and others in the financial industry. They talk through why and how crypto might, or might not, fit into your investment strategy.

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Episode 1.47: Is This a Scam?

Financial scams and schemes are on the rise as families are managing their way through a time of crisis. In this episode, Ben and Zach talk through some of the hallmarks of scams and schemes to help listeners be prepared to identify good opportunities from dangerous offerings and high-pressure tactics. They use their training as financial professionals as well as examples from their careers in helping people deal with fraud scams.

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Episode 1.46: Medical Cost Sharing Programs

Health insurance has become one of the toughest challenges facing many families' finances, especially for the self-employed. In this episode, Ben and Zach share their personal experiences reviewing and utilizing medical cost sharing programs. These plans have several unique features that make them a good fit for some but a poor option for others.

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Episode 1.45: An Estate Planning Checklist

Taking the proper steps to organize your estate plans may not be as complicated, or as scary, as you think. In this episode, Ben and Zach talk through this sensitive subject by comparing and contrasting what you'd like to have happen to what would happen if you passed away without up-to-date plans in place.

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Episode 1.44: Do I Need an Accountant?

Very few people feel confident in their tax planning and preparation. In this episode, Ben and Zach discuss how to know if it's time to hire a professional and what to look for when you do. Tax planning is vital to your long-term financial plans and you deserve to feel confident in the steps you're taking and the professionals you're working with.

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Episode 1.43: How Can I Get On Top of my Finances?

If you feel overwhelmed by your finances, it can be hard to work your way out. It's important to have a plan to work through your situation and strategies to help you improve your relationship with your money going forward. In this episode, Ben and Zach work through a plan to help you get, and stay, on top of your money.

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Episode 1.42: Should I Pay Down Debt or Invest?

Fundamental but not simple, this week's question is one of the most commonly asked. In this episode, Ben and Zach work through the question live to offer suggestions on how you can make a good decision. Whether you are updating your budget, receiving a raise, or planning what to do with your stimulus checks, learning to weigh your options more efficiently is an important change to your train of thought.

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Episode 1.41: How Much Car Can I Afford?

How can you prepare to deal with car salesmen, financing, maintenance, and repairs? When it comes to buying a new car, most of the system is set up to encourage extra spending. In this episode, Ben and Zach discuss how much of your budget your car payments should make up, how you can decide what you need out of a car, and how you can work to feel good about your next purchase.

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