Unlocking Your Financial Future

Year-End Planning Part 1: 2025 Social Security Updates

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to talk about some year-end planning strategies. In this two-part episode, Ben and Dan will cover what you need to know and think about before we head into the new year. Listen in as they discuss the new cost of living adjustments, earnings limits, and the Windfall Elimination Provision. Don’t miss part 2 of this conversation and we talk about year-end tax planning!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Social Security Cost of Living (COLA) adjustment
The FICA Wage Base and Earnings Test Limit increase
The average retirement benefit on Social Security right now
The impacts of the Windfall Elimination Provision
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

What Does it Mean to Be CFP® Accredited with Dan Oaklief

We’re excited to announce that one of our team members, Dan Oaklief, has recently earned his Certified Financial Planner designation. This is such an awesome achievement and one that he’s worked diligently to accomplish, but what does this actually mean for advisors and clients? Today we’re sitting down with Dan to discuss this milestone, what it means to be a CFP®, and the importance of continuing education in this industry.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is the value of CFP® accreditation in the field?
Why CFP® accreditation is the gold standard in the industry.
Dan’s favorite and least favorite part of becoming CFP® accredited.
Dan’s advice to people planning to get their CFP®.
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

What’s Driving Market Volatility This Summer? With CIO Keith Lockwood

In this episode of Unlocking Your Financial Future, Ben is joined by Chief Investment Officer, Keith Lockwood. He’s here to help dive into some of the market volatility we have seen lately and what it could mean for your investments. Tune in as Ben and Keith look at how geopolitical factors can impact the market, how recent recession talk could be a little overblown, and what investors should expect as we head into Q3 and the election season. 
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What was really behind the bad day for the stock market in early August
How geopolitical factors can impact the market
Why some of the recession talk may be overblown
The VIX hitting its third highest day ever
How elections invite market volatility
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Updates From The Annual Social Security Trustees Report (Part 2)

In today’s episode, we’re continuing our conversation on the annual Social Security Trustees Report.
In this half of the conversation, we’ll cover some interesting statistics from the report, including the impact of declining birth rates and immigration on Social Security's future. We'll also explore how life expectancy trends and recent events like COVID-19 are influencing projections.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What does it mean that Social Security could be insolvent by 2035?
How declining birth rates and changing death rates affect Social Security projections
How immigration contributes to and benefits the trust fund
The importance of personalized planning when it comes to Social Security decisions
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Updates From The Annual Social Security Trustees Report (Part 1)

In today’s episode, we’re going to share some updates from the annual Social Security Trustees Report. With Social Security serving as a cornerstone for countless retirees, understanding its current state and future projections is important. Listen in as Ben highlights the key takeaways from the 277-page report that you need to know about.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The projected depletion of Social Security reserves by 2035
Our office's proactive approach to Social Security planning
Raising FICA taxes to address Social Security solvency issues
Cutting benefits for current recipients or for new beneficiaries
Avoiding fear-based decisions and trusting in long-term planning
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Behind Baskets Galore with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko (Part 2)

We’re back to finish up our conversation with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Deborah and Hannah operate the business side of Baskets Galore
How inflation has impacted this industry + the delicate balance of managing costs and making decisions for long-term success
What Deborah’s creative process looks like + what’s the in the future for Baskets Galore
The value of building and maintaining client relationships through thoughtful touch strategies
 
 
Get in touch with the Baskets Galore Team
https://basketsgaloregifts.com/
Baskets Galore Storefront: 95 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
hannah@basketsgaloregifts.com
330-220-0088
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/
 
 

Behind Baskets Galore with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko (Part 1)

We’re excited to sit down with Deborah and Hannah Wasylko, the dynamic duo behind Baskets Galore. This business specializes in customized corporate gift designs, from branded items to gift baskets featuring local and gourmet selections. Join us as they share the story behind starting this business and their passion for creatively assisting business owners with thoughtful gifting.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Hannah and Deborah’s professional backgrounds + transition into corporate gift design
The early development of the business + the importance of relationship-building over direct sales in scaling a business
How Deborah and Hannah creatively navigated the challenges of COVID + how it led to significant business growth
Working together as a mother-daughter team + finding work-life balance in this field of work
 
Get in touch with the Baskets Galore Team
https://basketsgaloregifts.com/
Baskets Galore Storefront: 95 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
hannah@basketsgaloregifts.com
330-220-0088
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/
 

The Kitchen 212 Journey with Mike and Mandy Hamlin (Part 2)

We’re excited to welcome back Mike and Mandy Hamlin for today’s episode. Mike and Mandy are the owners of the successful food truck and catering business, Kitchen 212. From losing their jobs during the pandemic to taking the leap to start their own business, their story is incredibly inspiring. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Mike and Mandy have pivoted from public events to private catering + the different services they offer today
The kind of prep work that goes into a typical week + how they’ve tackled pricing
Where Mike and Mandy see the business going + finding ways to be innovative and creative without expanding physically
How the duo’s business structure and communication style have evolved throughout the years
The story behind the name “Kitchen 212”
 
Learn more about Kitchen 212:
https://www.kitchen212.com/
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/