Unlocking Your Financial Future

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/
 
 

The Kitchen 212 Journey with Mike and Mandy Hamlin (Part 1)

We’re excited to have some special guests on the podcast for a fun two-part episode. Mike and Mandy Hamlin 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, Mike and Mandy have an inspiring story to share.
Join us as we chat about some common misconceptions of entrepreneurship, the importance of celebrating small victories in business ownership, and much more!
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How COVID-19 led Mike and Mandy back to Ohio to start a food truck
Facing unexpected obstacles and celebrating victories in small business ownership
Balancing work and life as a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial duo
The realities of event planning and food preparation behind the scenes
 
Learn more about Kitchen 212:
https://www.kitchen212.com/
 
 For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/
 
 

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/