Around the Horn

One of the most important lessons I learned about my finances, I learned at 19 years old.  That is - pay yourself first if you want to retire.   Everyone can listen to this especially if you have kids in this age range of millenials to Gen Z, but the focus are on these two age groups.  I feel this is very important, if you want to retire some day.  

By no means do we give any tax advice, but this simple, general reminder with tax season upon us is something we feel is very crucial in case there are any discrepancies or mistakes during your filing.  We work with a lot of area tax advisors when they recommend ways that we can help to put money away in helping lower the taxable income for the year, and with that - time is essential to get it done and reported on time. 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner - a time that's no better to talk about marriage.  With marriage comes some choices, like how to divide up the finances.  Do you merge them or keep them separate?  Let's dive in to that with this edition of Around the Horn!

We talked about annuity fees and generally speaking, what types there are to be asking about.  This week, we add one more to that list that is also very important to be inquire about if you are approached to purchase such a product.

Looking at purchasing an annuity?  Maybe it's something a rep has brought to you as an option.  Annuities can be a key part of your retirement plan, if utilized properly.  Along with using it right, you should also have a general idea of the fees associated with them, too.  This week we focus on just some of the general fees you should be looking out for within an annuity contract.

Oh the ever so popular tax season is upon us!  Your favorite time of year, right?  In this shortened episode of Around the Horn we briefly talk about some reminders for you personally and professionally this tax season.  (Keep in mind, we at Big Horn do not offer tax advice - contact your tax advisor or a tax advisor you trust to give you proper advice when it comes to questions about your taxes)

With mortgage rates as low as they've been in a long time, now has been the time to buy or re-finance with your home.  When it comes to buying a home though, how much can you really afford?  Is there a way to find out?   We'll try to give you some general tips in this edition of Around the Horn.

Happy New Year!  Welcome to the first edition of the Around the Horn podcast in 2021.   We're finally here and we hope that you can find some more value in our weekly podcasts like you did last year when we started this up.   Wishing you much success in 2021!  The Team at Big Horn

Our end of the year planning segments continue today as we officially get to say Goodbye to 2020!  FINALLY!!   This two part series ends with a look at budgeting, talking savings and also being smart with your debt - along with reviewing your portfolio for the end of the year.   We thank you for listening to our podcast episodes and wish you and yours a Happy New Year!  May 2021 bring you better opportunities and much success in the new year.   Know we are here for you always.  We look forward to serving you in 2021 and well beyond that.   Dan, Josh & Kurt Your dedicated team at Big Horn

There are many things to consider for the new year that's approaching.  Needless to say, 2020 was absolutely terrible for many.  For some, not so bad, but we see this year being a learning experience for all of us to notice that anything can happen at any given point in our lives.  For that reason, we must have a plan.  This week and next week, we give you a two part series of some end of the year planning tips to make sure you take advantage of the benefits and tax breaks you're allowed during the year.   (Keep in mind, we do not give tax advice, and always recommend you visit with your tax advisor to find out the best route in terms of breaks and other deductions you're trying to make happen during tax time). We hope you enjoy this podcast, and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Of all the things we've learned in 2020 - one of the most important lessons was that anything can happen at any given time.  We're never prepared to the best of our ability and there definitely are things that are out of our control.  With the new year approaching, it's a great time to plan on things we are able to control and make the efforts to put them in motion.  

There's an app for almost anything these days.  You can come across apps that do literally anything now and makes it tough to know what's good and what's not.   Today we talk about a free app that's out there which is easy to use and has a lot of different capabilities.   But we all know, there's many more very similar out there.  Which one is your favorite to use when it comes to budgeting and figuring out your finances?

"Six to one, half dozen to the other" Who thinks credit cards are awesome?  Who thinks they're terrible?  Depending on who you ask, you're going to hear some different opinions.  Some very strongly suggest that they are evil and never be used, while if used properly, can provide some nice rewards to your spending you already do on a monthly basis.   Check it out - a non biased, general talk about credit card use, just in time for the holiday shopping season!

Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away.  Even with all that has gone on this year, there is always something to be thankful for.  Today, we focus on just that.   Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!

During a year like 2020, one of the most over looked thing with small businesses is their marketing.  In fact, the majority would probably tell you one of the first cuts they make for their business is the marketing dollars.   In this episode of Around the Horn, Kurt gives you four steps that can help you create a successful marketing plan.  

Medicare season is in full swing!  When you have questions about Medicare - Dan has your answers.   In this shortened episode of Around the Horn, it is directed at our man with the plans - Dan Teiken.  He is well versed in the Medicare scene and is ready to serve you.  

Oh, election day.  It is here!  But in this edition we're not talking about the general election.  We're talking about your election...period.  Confused?  Take a listen.  We have some reminders for you!

No opinions.  No "fake news".  Just some general talk about the election already here next week and if/how it can have an impact on your future finances.  

People think we only focus on the far away future when it comes to savings.  That's not the case.  We take many scenarios and fit them into your strategy of how you want to invest and the timeline to do so.   One of those is something way over looked - holiday spending.  Here is another simple strategy (we like to keep everything simple here!) to help you produce some funds for your holiday shopping at the end of the year.

Extending on the conversation from last week, focus this week is on the UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) account.  With anything there are pros and cons and we talk about some of those in this edition of Around the Horn.