The AI Boom Investing, Innovation & Everyday Applications Artificial Intelligence is often described as the most transformative technology of our time - but how much of that is real today, and what’s still years away? In our latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we bring you two in-depth conversations on AI’s future: Tejas Dessai – GlobalX Director of Research Tejas covers disruptive technologies and thematic investing. He shares his perspective on AI as an “economic turbocharger,” the i...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Kate Fishbein, CFP®, and Tom Farrell, CFP®, AEP®, CEPA, welcome special guest Amy Pastorino, CFP® for a deep dive on Roth IRAs and conversion strategies. 🎯 Topics Covered: The why behind Roth conversions: tax flexibility and legacy planningHow Secure Act changes impact inherited IRAs and distribution timelinesThe “Tax Now, Tax Later, Tax Never” framework for asset locationReal-world case study: How one client used slow-and-steady c...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we welcome Jack Manley - Executive Director and Global Market Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management. Jack joins hosts Austin Hagaman and Mark Lucci to unpack today’s most pressing questions: Are we heading into a recession or just slowing down?What do rising credit delinquencies really say about the consumer?Is immigration policy an underappreciated inflation driver?What’s next for the Fed, and is a rate cut actually bullish?And, with all...

After a rocky spring marked by sharp pullbacks and negative sentiment, equity markets staged an impressive rebound to close out the first half of 2025. Still, concerns around tariffs, inflation expectations, and central bank policy continue to stir uncertainty heading into Q3. Tune in to our Summer 2025 Market Update Webinar as we examine the key catalysts behind this year’s market swings, assess the current landscape and discuss how disciplined, long-term strategies can help investors naviga...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth’s According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein, CFP® and Tom Farrell, CFP®, CEPA dive into one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — retirement strategies: the Backdoor Roth IRA conversion. This method can be a great way for high earners to access tax-free growth… if done right. 🎙 Episode Highlights: 🔁 What is a Backdoor Roth? Learn how high-income investors use this strategy to bypass Roth IRA contribution limits — and why timing is everything. ⚠️...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth’s According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein, CFP® and Tom Farrell, CFP®, AEP® dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in retirement planning: Roth IRA distributions—and the two critical five-year rules that can trip up even savvy investors. Episode Highlights: 📆 The First Five-Year Rule (Qualified Distributions): Learn why it’s not enough to be over 59½—you also need to have held your Roth for five years to avoid taxes on earnings. 🔁 The Second Fi...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Mike Arone, Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors, to unpack the complex forces shaping today’s investment landscape - from weakening dollar trends to the case for global diversification. Episode Highlights: 🌍 US vs. International Markets: Why foreign markets are outperforming - and whether that trend could continue. 💸 The Dollar’s Decline: How a weakening dollar may impac...

After a strong start to the year, markets reversed course in Q1, with major indices posting their weakest quarterly returns since 2022. Behind the headlines: cooling economic data, rising inflation expectations, and renewed uncertainty around trade and policy heading into Q2. What’s driving the disconnect between hard data and soft sentiment? How will proposed tariffs, shifting Fed policy, and global volatility shape the path forward for the economy? Our Spring 2025 Update webinar was reco...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell break down a major Secure Act 2.0 provision taking effect in 2025: the Super Catch-Up Contribution for workers aged 60 to 63. Episode Highlights: 🦸‍♂️ Super Catch-Up Uncovered: Workers aged 60–63 can contribute $11,250 - a boost over the standard $7,500 catch-up limit. 📅 Timing is Everything: Why your age on December 31, 2025 determines eligibility. 📊 Plan Types Matter...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, the team sits down with Kevin Kang, Vanguard’s Senior International Economist, to explore the key forces shaping the economy and financial markets over the next decade. Backed by over 100 years of historical data, Kevin and his team analyzed the "megatrends" likely to drive future GDP growth — and the risks that could drag it down. Episode Highlights: 📈 The 5 Megatrends Shaping the Economy: From technological innovation to rising g...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein dive into Section 121, the powerful (but often overlooked) tax break that can exclude up to $500,000 in capital gains when selling your primary residence. Episode Highlights: 🏡 What is Section 121? Learn how this IRS rule helps homeowners exclude up to $250K (single) or $500K (married) in capital gains from taxes when selling a primary residence. 📋 Eligibility Rules Made Simple Bre...

Originally recorded February 7th as part of our quarterly webinar series. 2024 was a year to remember for the markets, with major indices like the S&P 500 achieving another 20%+ performance year, optimism surrounding AI driving innovation, and a soft-landing narrative shaping economic resilience. As we enter 2025, questions remain: Can the momentum continue? What impact will shifting monetary policy, emerging risks, and new economic policies have on the year ahead? Tune in to our Winter...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein tackle everything you need to know about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — from eligibility and benefits to long-term planning strategies. Episode Highlights: 💡 HSA Basics: Understand who qualifies for an HSA and how high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) work. 📈 Triple Tax Benefits Explained: Discover how HSAs offer pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Ryan Edwards, a finance and economics student who's already leaving his mark in the industry. This episode is a must-listen for students, parents and anyone looking to get ahead in finance - or help their children gain career momentum. Episode Highlights: 🎓 Networking as a Student: Ryan shares how he connected with top finance leaders by reaching out with confidence. 💡 Breaking into the ...

In this very special crossover episode, Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong welcome Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein - hosts of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan series - to discuss key topics from the Financial Planning Committee's Year-End Newsletter. Episode Highlights: 🥧 Asset Allocation Strategies – Striking the right balance between growth and preservation as you approach retirement. 🎁 The Bucketing Approach – Simplifying portfolio management for immediate, medium, and long...

Recorded Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. U.S. equity markets saw encouraging gains in Q3, with all major indices posting positive returns. The summer ended with the Federal reserve embarking on their first rate cut since 2019 which caused some shifts in the market. Leadership, previously concentrated in large-cap tech, has shifted, allowing other sectors and asset classes to shine. Tune in as we discuss the shifts investors should keep their eye on moving forward - making it crucial to s...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell tackle one of the most confusing yet essential retirement planning topics: the new inherited IRA rules. They break down the changes brought by the SECURE Act and the impact on beneficiaries. Episode Highlights: ⏰ The 10-Year Rule Explained: Unpack the complexities of the 10-year withdrawal rule and how it affects non-eligible designated beneficiaries. 💼 Inherited IRAs and Tax ...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong welcome Duane Liedl, Director of Fixed Income at BlackRock for an in-depth look at today's bond market. Episode Highlights: 📊 Navigating Bond Market Volatility: Understand recent market challenges and how bonds are regaining their place as portfolio stabilizers. 🏦 Tax-Efficient Investing with Municipals: Explore how municipal bonds provide tax benefits, especially for high-income investors. 💼 The Impa...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell dive into one of the most critical topics for retirees - determining a sustainable withdrawal rate. Joined by special guest Ann Schnorrenberg, CFP®, PhD, the discussion unpacks the history, assumptions, and modern-day relevance of the widely-known “4% rule” for retirement withdrawals. Episode Highlights: 📊 The Origins of the 4% Rule: Discover the background of this popular retirement strategy,...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Jonah Gruda, a tax expert and Partner at Withum, to explore the intricate world of tax planning in these uncertain times. As we approach significant legislative shifts, understanding the landscape is crucial for anyone serious about financial planning. Episode Highlights: 💼 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Overview: Jonah provides a deep dive into the TCJA, explaining its key provisions and what chang...