Today, Rick Bloom is joined by Bloom Advisors colleague Scott Whyte to discuss all things inflation. It's been a hot topic in the news lately, and we cover what you need to know.

• We begin with a definition of inflation - what exactly is it?
• How is inflation measured and what exactly is the CPI, or Consumer Price Index?
• What about the core inflation rate?
• Why is it important to see how inflation factors into your individual situation?
• Some suggest inflation is here to stay. Others say it's transitory. Either way, we are not facing the historic inflation you may remember from the 1970's.
• Inflation isn't all bad.  What can you do in your portfolio in times of inflation? (Hint: Diversify!)
• Why hoarding cash or gold may not be the best idea.
• What is "shrink-flation?"
• What is inflation's impact on retirees?
• What are some things you can do right now to protect yourself?

Finally, Rick answers a listener email regarding his changing stance on annuities.  Rick explains why he recommended them in the 90's, but not anymore.

If you have a financial question for Rick, you can email him:  rick@rickbloomtalksmoney.com.

Note: Bloom Asset Management is now Bloom Advisors.  Find Rick and the team at https://www.bloomadvisors.com/  or call (248) 932-5200.

Rick Bloom has been helping people with their money for decades,  and he often gets asked the same questions frequently.  Today, he answers the top ten financial questions people ask him.

1. How much do I need to start investing and when should I start?
2. Can I do it on my own, and if not, how do I choose a good financial planner?
3. How do I invest risk free?
4. What are some of the red flags I should know about in investing?
5. Should I use a Roth or traditional 401k?
6. What is the best investment for a newborn's college education?
7. What does it mean to diversify?
8. How do I know when I should sell an investment?
9. How much do I need to retire? And how much should I save for my retirement?
10. Is buying a house a good investment?

Note: Bloom Asset Management is now Bloom Advisors.  Find Rick and the team at https://www.bloomadvisors.com/  or call (248) 932-5200.

Today, Rick Bloom is joined by Caitlin Donovan of the National Patient Advocate Foundation for a very important conversation - about medical bills.

Too often, patients just assume their medical bills are accurate and they have to pay every penny. Caitlin dispels that myth.  There's so much nuance with billing codes, insurance coverage and Explanations of Benefits (EOB's), and more.   Very often, you are not  responsible for what you see on that first bill.

There are a number of strategies you can use, including bringing an advocate with you to appointments, trying multiple people in a billing call center, and most importantly, persistence.

You can also negotiate your bills - a hospital, for example, would rather negotiate a settlement with you than not have you pay anything at all!   Rick also mentions the importance of having a medical durable power of attorney should you not be able to make decisions for yourself.

Also, Rick answers two more listener emails - regarding inheriting retirement plans and declaring bankruptcy due to credit card debt.

The National Patient Advocate Foundation is a free resource for many eligible patients.  You can find them online here: https://www.npaf.org/

Note: Bloom Asset Management is now Bloom Advisors.  Find Rick and the team at https://www.bloomadvisors.com/  or call (248) 932-5200.