Rob Lovaglio and Steven Young break down the essentials of employer 401(k) plans — how to enroll, contribution recommendations, employer matches, investment choices (including target-date funds), tax differences between traditional and Roth contributions, and withdrawal rules. They explain vesting, contribution limits for 2025, and why a 401(k) should be treated as long-term retirement savings rather than an emergency fund. Whether you’re new to workplace retirement plans or want a refresher, this episode makes the 401(k) simple and actionable so you can start making smarter retirement decisions.

Business owners: if you don’t offer retirement benefits, you risk losing top hires to larger companies. This episode explains the three common small-business options—SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA and 401(k)—and why a 401(k) with an employer match often provides the best balance of recruitment value, flexibility and tax benefits.Hosts walk through a real example where a safe-harbor 401(k) with a 4% match helped a boutique firm grow from seven to ten employees while allowing the owner to save significantly for retirement. Step one: sit down with an advisor to pick the plan that fits your business goals and budget.

Independent business owners walk through practical retirement options for sole proprietors, including Traditional/Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s, with clear differences in simplicity, flexibility, and contribution limits.The hosts explain how choosing a Solo 401(k) over a SEP IRA can dramatically increase yearly contributions without changing salary, using a real-client example to show the long-term impact.

Most people think that once you max out your 401(k), the game is over — but that's where the game begins. This episode lays out the exact playbook for what to do next so your money can grow tax-free, beat inflation, and build multigenerational wealth.We cover high-impact moves like the backdoor Roth IRA, mega backdoor Roth, the triple-tax-advantaged HSA, taxable brokerage strategies, real estate and private equity alternatives, and insurance-based options — explaining when and why each one makes sense.Simple, practical sequence and considerations are provided so you can prioritize the right buckets for your goals, taxes, and flexibility.

Discover how a teen’s summer earnings can grow into a seven-figure retirement by using a custodial Roth IRA. The episode explains the math behind compound interest (example: $2,300/year from age 15 at an 8% return grows to about $1.3M), contrasts starting early versus starting at 30, and shows how much more you’d need later to catch up.It also reviews alternative savings options—529 plans, UGMA/UTMA custodial accounts, and high-yield savings—and outlines the Roth IRA basics, requirements (earned income and a custodian), and the tax benefits of tax-free growth and withdrawals.

This episode breaks down the Mega Backdoor Roth strategy: how self-employed individuals can use a Solo 401(k) to push far beyond standard Roth contribution limits by combining employee and employer contributions and performing in-plan Roth rollovers. Hosts explain contribution limits, step-by-step mechanics, a real example, and why this approach can create significantly larger tax-free retirement savings over time.   🤝 Get Personalized Financial Guidance: 📌 Learn about the SFM process: https://www.sfmadvisorgroup.com/ 📌 Schedule a consultation with our award-winning team 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/SecurityFinanc...

This episode explains the backdoor Roth IRA—how high earners who exceed Roth contribution limits can use a traditional IRA contribution followed by a conversion to secure tax-free growth and withdrawals.Hosts cover contribution limits, the conversion process, a real client example, and practical tips for doing the strategy safely with a financial planner.

In this episode we explain the step-up in basis: when you inherit assets, heirs receive them at current market value instead of the original purchase price, often wiping out decades of taxable gains. Using a real case where land bought for $40,000 in the 1970s was worth $1.8M at death, the step-up reduced a potential $362,000 tax bill to roughly $10,000.We cover how the rule applies to real estate and stocks, why account type matters, and why you should consult a Certified Financial Planner to apply the strategy correctly.

This episode explains the key difference between a fiduciary financial advisor (IAR/RIA) and a financial representative (registered rep), the legal standards they follow, and how those differences can affect your wallet and long-term plan.It also covers practical steps to tell who you’re working with — registrations, standards of care, compensation models, and disclosures — and when a fee-only fiduciary or a commission-based rep might be the right fit.

This episode compares buying the average U.S. home in 1995 versus investing the same $153,500 in the S&P 500 through 2024, showing the house growing to about $557,000 while the S&P investment reached $1.43 million (about $2.68M with dividends reinvested).The hosts break down pros and cons: stocks offer diversification, liquidity, and higher long-term growth but come with volatility; real estate provides leverage, income potential, and tangibility but has upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and less liquidity. REITs are presented as a hybrid option offering real estate exposure with stock-like liquidity.Bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—choice depends on goals, risk tolerance, and desire for income versus growth; diversification or a blended approach is often recommended.

This episode explains the SECURE Act's hidden 10-year rule for inherited IRAs and why waiting to withdraw everything at once can trigger a massive tax bill.Using a real example—an inherited $1 million IRA—the hosts show how spreading withdrawals (~$100,000/year) can keep you in lower tax brackets and saved one listener over $90,000 in taxes compared with a single lump-sum withdrawal in year 10.They also cover exceptions where waiting makes sense (low future income, charitable plans, Roth conversions) and emphasize creating a tailored withdrawal strategy with an advisor to minimize taxes.

Welcome to the Best Advice Podcast, where hosts Rob Lovaglio, Dave Allen, and Frank Lovaglio break down complex financial topics into digestible bites. In this episode, they dive into the recent changes in state and local taxes, as well as updates on estate taxes. Discover how these changes might affect you and learn strategies to navigate them effectively. Get insights on making your life insurance policies non-taxable and explore planning strategies for your estate. Join the discussion from Frank's renovated living room for an engaging and informative conversation.

If you've invested company stock in your 401k, you need to hear about Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). In this episode of the Best Advice Podcast, host Rob Lovaglio and Senior Advisor Daniel Courson unveil the tax-saving power of NUA. Learn how this strategy allows you to transfer company stock from your 401k to a brokerage account, minimizing taxes by paying ordinary income tax on the original investment and capital gains tax on the profits. Join us as we break down a real-life example that saved a client over $76,500 in taxes. We'll guide you through the steps involved and discuss the pros and cons of adopting the NUA strategy. Discover the potential pitfalls and why this approach might not be suitable for everyone. Whether you're planning your retirement or exploring investment strategies, this episode is a must-listen for insightful guidance on how to manage company stocks in your 401k effectively.

Join Best of Bucks Podcast host Rob Lovaglio and Senior Advisor Daniel Corson as they dive into strategic charitable giving using Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). Discover how you can maximize tax benefits, avoid the year-end rush, and maintain the flexibility to support your chosen charities over time. Whether you’re donating appreciated stock, cash, or cryptocurrency, learn how to make your wealth work for good while keeping control of your contributions. Perfect for those wanting to give back generously and smartly, all on their schedule.

In this episode of the Best Advice Podcast, host Rob Lovaglio and managing partner Michael Allen explore how to protect retirement income during market crashes by using strategies employed by the wealthy. They discuss the bucket strategy, a method that nearly 90% of retirees use for a stress-free approach to market downturns. Michael shares his weekend adventure on a Missouri farm, where he helped manage cattle with his brother-in-law, Wayne, and a minimalist farmer named Steve. This experience highlights the importance of guiding financial decisions just as one guides cattle, using a solid plan and professional advice. The episode answers a listener's question on whether there are more strategies beyond simply "riding out the market downturn" and emphasizes the significance of having a diverse approach to investments to mitigate risks. Tune in for insights on financial planning and the importance of having guardrails to navigate turbulent market conditions.   🤝 Get Personalized Financial Guidance: 📌 Learn about the SFM process: https://www.sfmadvisorgroup.com/ 📌 Schedule a consultation with our award-winning team 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/SecurityFinanc...

In this episode of the Best Advice Podcast, hosts Rob Lovaglio and Sylvia Lenaris-Williams delve into the newly announced Trump savings account, a groundbreaking initiative providing every child born in the U.S. with a $1,000 government-funded investment. Discover how this plan, combined with family contributions and compound interest, has the potential to impact your child's financial future significantly. The episode provides a detailed comparison between the Trump savings account and traditional 529 plans, examining their tax treatment, flexibility, and benefits. With insights on new tax credits and incentives, listeners will learn how to leverage these opportunities to maximize their savings and investments.

In this episode of the Best Advice Podcast, host Rob Lovaglio and Senior Advisor Steven Young explore the complexities of retirement planning. They discuss the potential pitfalls of relying on the traditional 4% withdrawal rule when not working with a professional team, as well as the impact of market downturns. With a focus on healthcare inflation and sequence of returns risk, the episode offers insight into strategically navigating financial challenges in retirement. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your retirement funds and understand the meticulous approach needed for a secure financial future.

Welcome to the latest episode of Best Advice Podcast, brought to you by Security Financial Management. Hosted by Rob Lovaglio and featuring insights from Mitchell Walk. This episode dives into the intricacies of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and how they impact retirees. At age 73, retirees need to start withdrawing from their tax-deferred IRAs, but what if you don't need the money yet? Explore strategic options, such as charitable donations, to manage these mandatory withdrawals effectively. Tune in for expert advice to navigate your retirement funds wisely and avoid potential tax penalties.   🤝 Get Personalized Financial Guidance: 📌 Learn about the SFM process: https://www.sfmadvisorgroup.com/ 📌 Schedule a consultation with our award-winning team 👉 https://go.oncehub.com/SecurityFinanc...  

In this episode of the Best Advice Podcast, host Rob Lovaglio welcomes Dr. Pat McGreevy, a pioneering figure in applied behavior analysis and special education. Dr. Pat shares his inspirational journey from being a public school teacher for children with severe disabilities in the 1960s to creating a revolutionary curriculum, Essential for Living. Starting as a teacher determined to find better educational methods for children with the most severe disabilities, Dr. Pat's lifelong dedication led to significant advancements in teaching skills that truly impact the lives of those with disabilities. Through his personal and professional narratives, Dr. Pat discusses the significance of teaching functional skills over academic skills for children who may never read or write but can learn essential life skills such as communication through alternative methods. His book, Essential for Living, offers a unique curriculum designed specifically for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities, emphasizing skills that enhance everyday living and quality of life. This episode is not only a discussion on special education but also includes Dr. Pat's personal story, including his experiences as a parent to a child with Down syndrome. He shares heartfelt insights into the challenges and rewards of his work and personal life dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

In this eye-opening episode of Best Advice Podcast, hosts Rob Lovaglio, Dave Allen, and Mitch Allen, from Security Financial Management, dive deep into advanced strategies for managing highly appreciated stocks. Learn how to safeguard your stock positions with options like collars, enhance your income through covered calls, and explore the benefits of direct indexing. Tune in to gain insights that could protect your investments and optimize returns, while underscoring the importance of having skilled professionals at your side for these sophisticated strategies. Listener question from Casey in Lake Nona sparks an engaging discussion on effective ways to handle stocks with a low cost basis and high potential tax liability. Whether you're an experienced investor or just looking for ways to manage your portfolio better, this episode is packed with valuable advice and recommendations.