Election years are always tumultuous, but the current political climate has reached new levels of unpredictability. As every election cycle seems to get more chaotic, how can you protect your portfolio? Tune in as Don explores how learning from historical events can help navigate these uncertain times.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How the political and market climate of 1968 offers insights for today’s investors
• Strategies to manage market volatility and avoid knee-jerk reactions during turbulent times
• Why maintaining a diversified portfolio is crucial for long-term stability
• Developing a plan that matches your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

This week’s episode serves as a warning to those neglecting their estate plans. Few stories illustrate the importance of updating beneficiary designations more poignantly than that of Jeffrey Rolison and Margaret “Peggy” Sjostedt, who dated in the 80s and broke up just a few years later. Despite their relationship ending, Jeffrey never updated the beneficiary designation on his Procter & Gamble retirement account, and Margaret stood to inherit $1 million.

Listen in as Don shares a few things that we can learn from this unfortunate oversight…

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The story of Jeffrey Rolison, who forgot to update his beneficiary designation
• Jeffrey’s brothers nine-year legal battle to claim the retirement money
• The importance of regularly reviewing and updating your beneficiary designations

Wall Street Journal Article

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/inherited-retirement-savings-beneficiary-breakup-divorce-849e3ff2

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

As we approach the 4th of July, it's a perfect time to reflect on the concept of independence- not just in terms of our nation, but also in our personal financial lives. In today’s episode, Don and Marc chat about some of the fascinating parallels between the celebration of Independence Day and the journey of retirement planning. Stay tuned as we talk about building a solid foundation for your financial future, celebrating milestones, looking forward to a secure and fulfilling retirement, and more!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The importance of early and thorough retirement planning
• Building a solid financial foundation through diligent saving, smart investing, and disciplined spending
• Celebrating milestones in your retirement journey and learning to enjoy the fruits of your labor
• Achieving financial independence and making empowered decisions on how to enjoy your retirement years
• Overcoming challenges in retirement planning like market volatility, inflation, and unexpected health issues

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

With the rising costs of homeownership and the looming concerns of long-term care, it's no wonder that many parents consider transferring their homes to their kids. However, this seemingly generous act can come with significant financial pitfalls and tax consequences that you may not be aware of. Join us as Don shares some important items to consider and common mistakes to look out for…

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The annual gift exclusion limit for tax-free gifts in 2024
• Gift exclusions for tuition and medical bills
• Contributing to a tax-free Roth IRA for young family members as a gifting strategy
• The capital gains tax implications when gifting a house versus inheriting it
• A few state benefits that you could lose by gifting your home to your kids

Resources for this episode:

IRS Home sale exclusion –

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc701

IRS Gift Credit –

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/estate-and-gift-tax-faqs

NJ Property Tax Freeze –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/eligibility.shtml

NJ ANCHOR benefit –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/index.shtml

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In today’s episode, Don shares the astonishing story of attempted real estate fraud involving one of America's most iconic homes: Graceland. Did you know that the legendary estate of Elvis Presley was nearly auctioned off due to a scam? Listen in as Don takes us through the shocking details and the lessons we can learn to protect our own properties.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The history of Graceland and its ownership since Elvis's passing
• Details of the attempted fraud involving Graceland
• Information about the fake company, Naussany Investments & Private Lending
• Steps homeowners can take to protect themselves from similar fraudulent activities

Resources for this episode:

Wall Street Journal – Judge Blocks Efforts to Auction Graceland

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/elvis-presley-graceland-riley-keough-judge-blocks-auction-fc424898?st=38uynto4rjjlffc&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

History of Graceland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland

Judicial Foreclosure states

https://retipster.com/judicial-non-judicial-foreclosure-states-list-map/

Home Title Alert

https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/select

Paid Service

https://www.hometitlelock.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtnBjUN38QZs4FeIk24dUxd3dEt6Lg3YaQeJYcBpS0830_ZocjwTteRoC-XwQAvD_BwE

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

While you dream about the leisurely days ahead of you in retirement, it’s also important to think about some of the less glamorous items, including insurance. In this new season of life, your old policies may no longer suit your needs or may come to an end.

So, what types of coverage should you be considering for your golden years? What do you need to keep in mind as you prep for the transition? We’re going to walk you through the fundamentals in today's episode.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Medicare supplement plans for those retiring before 65 + potential pitfalls of forgoing these plans
• The high expenses of long-term care services + the factors that led to rising premiums
• The advantages of older long-term care policies + options to modify coverage to reduce costs
• Life insurance and long-term care combination policies
• Reasons for long-term care insurance in retirement
• The importance of property and casualty insurance + the benefits of umbrella policies

Open Enrollment Season episode

https://doncashpodcast.com/podcast/medicare-mistakes-to-avoid-during-open-enrollment-season/

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

As we approach the first week of May with tax season behind us, it’s the perfect time to look ahead. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at the end of 2025, some big changes are in store for the next two years from a tax standpoint. In today’s episode, Don will dive into the changes you need to be aware of for 2024 and beyond.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Changes in the capital gains rule for homeowners + potential planning mistakes with property ownership
• The evolution of the taxation of Social Security benefits over the years
• The importance of integrating Social Security decisions into an overall retirement plan
• Keeping an eye on federal and state estate taxes + the importance of comprehensive estate planning

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Did you know that roughly 50% of people over 50 lack essential legal documents, such as wills, power of attorney, and healthcare directives? The numbers are even more concerning for younger demographics, with 80% of those under 30 lacking any basic documents. With over $84 trillion in assets set to transfer to the next generation, ensuring your estate is in order has never been more important.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The percentages of individuals across different age groups lacking essential estate planning documents
• The importance of powers of attorney and healthcare directives once one turns 18
• Outdated legal documents, misplacing wills, and updating your estate planning materials as life changes
• Understanding IRA estate rules to avoid complications and tax liabilities
• Carefully selecting executors and trustees + sharing passwords and communicating intentions with family members

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/