The Dollar DerailGuide 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most common, and sometimes most pressing, questions we get as professionals comes from people concerned with where to put their money to work. In this episode, rather than talking about a specific investment, Ben and Zach walk through some of the ways they might help clients identify what investments might be appropriate for their situation.
In this special episode recorded in January 2020, Zach interviews rockstar-turned-pastor Stephen Christian of Anberlin. Stephen shares his path into music and how he developed his passions, he speaks honestly about achieving success in the music business, how the lifestyle challenged his identity and his faith, and what his transitions in life have taught him.
Managing risk is a challenging but important subject. When you've decided that caring for your family's needs means buying or updating your life insurance, you will have to choose what type of insurance suits your situation best. In this episode, Ben and Zach talk through what exactly life insurance is, what purposes it can serve, and how you can go about choosing the right type for your family.
Many people are excited to cross the threshold into 2021, but how can we start this new year well? Ben and Zach draw from their experience helping clients discover, clarify, and pursue their goals to discuss effective goal-setting and vision-casting. Making your pursuit intentional is your first step toward success.
A thoughtful year-end review of your household finances can be a great way to learn from the past and set the stage for a successful new year. In this episode, Ben and Zach offer tips and strategies to make the most of your time spent reflecting on 2020, whether you are a big picture thinker of love getting into the details.
If you are going to trust your financial advisor with your personal information and money, how do you pick a good one? Balancing the varying levels of experience and expertise as well as the personalities and beliefs among potential advisors can be a significant challenge, especially as you look for your first advisor. In this episode, Ben and Zach walk through some of the differences between advisors and some valuable questions you can ask to feel confident in your conversations.
In this unscripted episode, Ben and Zach discuss the principles and challenges of values-based investing and their personal journeys with the subject. Sometimes called ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), SRI (Socially Responsible Investing), or BRI (Biblically Responsible Investing), aligning your portfolio with your values may not be simple, but it may allow you to make a greater impact with your resources.