Unlocking Your Financial Future

2023 Wrap Up: Market Predictions for 2024 (Part 2)

In case you missed it, we recently released a podcast episode with Keith Lockwood (CIO), where we reflected on this year’s financial landscape. Coming off a pretty good year in the market, what can we expect to see in 2024? Listen in as we discuss the anticipated trends and challenges that the new year might bring.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Potential pullbacks in the first quarter of 2024 + opportunities to invest in good companies
Potential challenges related to a Fed rate cut, rising unemployment, housing market affordability issues
Usual volatility in election years + staying disciplined in investing
Potential pullbacks in high-flying tech names + being selective with your investments
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

2023 Wrap Up: End of Year Market Update (Part 1)

As we wrap up the year, we are joined by Keith Lockwood (CIO) for a two-part discussion, exploring the financial dynamics of 2023 and providing insights into what lies ahead in 2024. Listen in as we chat about this rollercoaster of a year, focusing on the unprecedented market gains in November and December, the dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” and the Federal Reserve's role in shaping the market.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The market’s unprecedented run in the last two months
The dominance of the "Magnificent Seven" in driving market gains
The importance of staying diversified in investment portfolios
The Federal Reserve's role in shaping the market
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Financial Planning for 2024: Retiring in the New Year (Part 2)

If you’re hoping to start your retirement journey in 2024, there are some key things you need to start thinking about in order to properly prepare. In today’s episode, Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® is back to share some advice for those who plan on retiring in the new year.  After discussing key year-end planning strategies for 2023 in our last episode, today’s conversation is all about the crucial steps to take to six to nine months before your desired retirement date.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What Social Security decisions need to be considered in the planning process?
Evaluating pension options and finding the best one for your situation
Knowing the location and tax structure of your assets, including 401(k), IRAs, and Roth accounts
What factors should be considered in budgeting for retirement?
Strategically generating income streams in retirement with the help of a financial professional 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

End of Year Financial Planning Strategies For 2023 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year! Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack some key year-end planning strategies for 2023. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Making the most of your year-end bonus
Tax planning: tax-loss harvesting, RMDs, Roth conversions, tax changes coming in 2026
Planning ahead for significant expenses + cleaning up debt and looking at health insurance
Staying within gifting limits + recent rule changes to the 529 plan
 
For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Roth IRAs and Conversions Explained (Part 2)

We’re back with Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to continue our conversation about Roth IRAs. If you missed part one, be sure to check that out here. In it, we break down the fundamentals of Roth IRAs and discuss the contribution rules for 2023, contribution limits, and much more.
For part two of this series, we’re going to dive a bit deeper into this conversation. Dan will discuss the signs that might prompt a Roth conversion recommendation, the benefits of spreading Roth conversions out over several years, and why the timing of these conversions matter. Listen in as we further demystify Roth conversions and dive into the potential tax-saving and legacy planning benefits that can come with them.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What prompts a recommendation for Roth conversions in financial planning?
Why is it important to spread Roth conversions over several years instead of doing a lump sum conversion?
How does the timing of Roth conversions, particularly in Q4, affect the planning process?
What are the long-term tax benefits of Roth conversions, especially in the context of RMDs?
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Roth IRAs and Conversions Explained (Part 1)

Today we’re joined by the one and only Dan Oaklief, RICP®, CPFA® to dive into the world of Roth IRAs. As we enter the fourth quarter, we have a lot of conversations about Roth IRAs and conversions this time of year. We thought it’d be the perfect time to break down key differences between the two and answer some common questions in a two-part episode.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is a Roth IRA?
What are the Roth contribution rules + limits in 2023?
What is a Roth conversion + the benefits of a Roth IRA and Roth conversion?
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Celebrating a Decade of Marriage and 11 Years In Business

In the month of August, Ben and Kaitlin celebrated 10 years of marriage and 11 years of BA Schrock Financial Group being open. It’s easy to say that it was a month of celebration! Listen in as they reflect on a decade of marriage and over 11 years in business.
 
Here are some key takeaways from this episode:
Embracing Risk: Ben and Kaitlin share how the early days of starting their business were marked by taking risks and believing in their vision, despite uncertainties.
Building a Supportive Team: Kaitlin and Ben discuss how adding team members has been a significant step for their business. Each team member's dedication and passion contribute to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Continuous Learning: Ben emphasizes the importance of staying curious and consistently advancing one's knowledge in the financial industry to provide the best service to clients.
Celebrating Milestones: Over the years, BA Schrock Financial Group has celebrated achievements like becoming an RIA, surpassing $100 million in assets under management, and renovating their office space.
Balancing Family and Business: Ben and Kaitlin discuss the rewards of working together as a married couple. They find inspiration in their clients' successes and use their experiences to keep pushing forward, even on tough days
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Your TD Ameritrade – Charles Schwab Transition Questions Answered

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the impending transition from TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab and what it means for our clients. As the big announcement of the acquisition/merger can feel overwhelming, we are here to provide clarity, answer your questions, and provide guidance on what to anticipate.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
Despite the change in custodian from TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab, clients will still maintain their relationship with their financial advisors, and the management of portfolios will continue as before.
The transfer of assets from TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab will occur automatically over the Labor Day weekend. Clients do not need to take any action for this transfer to happen.
Clients will have access to their new Schwab accounts starting from September 5th. During this period, there may be a brief disruption in account access and some statements could show zero balances, but this is part of the transition process.
Clients will access their accounts through Schwab Alliance and are encouraged to set up their new login credentials for this platform. We are happily available to address questions and concerns throughout this transition!
 
For questions or assistance with this transition, reach out to us at 330-473-1060
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/