The Art of Wealth Unbroken

The Importance of Having a Trust

Last week, we talked about the importance of having a personal care plan in the event your physical or mental health takes a turn.  It's also vitally important to have a trust.  A trust is a legal document that allows you retain control of your assets both before and after your death. Stacey shares the sad story of a client who put off setting up a trust.  Her health unexpectedly changed, and the next thing she knew, her relatives were in a courtroom getting control of her assets.  It's a cautionary tale for sure. Michael and Stacey talk about the importance of a trust, especially if you have minor children.   And your trust does not have to be controlled by relative! You control who is in charge. Finally, simply setting up the trust is not enough.  Many clients set up the trust, but never get around to moving their assets into it. And that can have disastrous consequences.  It's important to have a team of an attorney, trusted financial advisor, and more, to make sure everything is set up according to your wishes. Stacey Andres and Michael Wallin have made the Life Arc Plan and Info Right process available to all listeners of our podcast.  To learn more, you can reach out to them at (855) 378-1806 or visit our website, https://artofwealthunbroken.com/ [https://artofwealthunbroken.com/]

Planning Ahead for When Our Health Takes a Turn For The Worse

What happens when your health takes a turn?  Having a plan in place is one of the most important things you can do for your and your family's future. Today, Michael and Stacey talk about why it's so important to do this, and how to get started.  Mike shares a story of a client that made the mistake of thinking she had a plan in place.   These conversations are very difficult to have, but coming up with a personal care plan is of the utmost importance.  Our hosts share some sobering statistics to back this up. Facilitate a family meeting, perhaps with the help of professionals like Michael and Stacey. Then start working on real solutions to questions about future living arrangements. If you'd like help with your financial future, and want to talk to Michael, Stacey, and the team at Optivise, you can visit our website at https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/ [https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/] Or give them a call at 855-378-1806.  They'll get you your free Arc of Life report, tailored to your own individual circumstances.

Seeking Answers to better Questions to Reduce Anxiety

Today’s show comes to us from an article published by Michael Kitces’ team titled, “Questions, Not Answers: Conversations For Advisors To Navigate Clients’ Anxiety Around Change” released on May 4, 2022.  Investors, particularly in turbulent times, can have narratives that will compound the negative impacts to their finances. Often, an advisor's reaction is to tell the client that their plan is working, and not to worry.  But as we dig into the area of personal finance - that's often not helpful. The article advise to encourage a client to form new personal narratives, instead of addressing their stressors, can help them understand and implement new perspectives that make it easier for them to address challenging situations in different (and often more successful) ways. There are steps that you, as an investor, can take right now. 1. Work with a financial professional that is more interested in listening that talking. 2. Be proactive in your financial plan. 3. Ask yourself narrative changing questions.  We can assist you this step. 4. Use resources, such as, Monte Carlo simulations or other technological tools that can run probability scenarios. 5. Expect the market to go through normal cycles. 6. Know the difference between diversification and allocation. 7. Measure and Monitor what matters. 8. Meet periodically with your financial professional to make changes when necessary. If you'd like help with your financial future, and want to talk to Michael, Stacey, and the team at Optivise, you can visit our website at https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/ [https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/] Or give them a call at 855-378-1806.  They'll get you your free Arc of Life report, tailored to your own individual circumstances.

Buffered ETF's - Why, How, and Terms

Last week, Michael Wallin and Stacey Andres spoke about investment vehicles for your second, or "mid range" bucket.  One such vehicle is known as a "Buffered ETF."  Today, they break down the why, the how, and the terms of these products. Stacey explains the growth potential in Buffered ETF's, that simultaneously offer downside protection. As Michael adds, it's a way to diversify your portfolio away from traditional stocks and bonds. It's also a nice alternative to panicking and leaving the market during times of volatility! We talk about how Buffered ETF's would have fared historically, and why it's best to invest in one through a broker. To find out how Michael and Stacey can created a Buffered ETF strategy tailored to your needs, or to receive your free Arc of Life Report, or to talk to Michael, Stacey, and the team at Optivise Advisory Services, give them a call at (855) 378-1806, or visit our website, https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/ [https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/]

Growth Vehicles for Your Safe Money Bucket

Michael Wallin and Stacey Andres have talked in previous episodes about the three buckets of financial planning - short, medium, and long term.  Today we are focused on the medium term or "safe money" bucket.  We'll cover some safe growth vehicles for this safe money bucket.   We'll tackle the pros and cons of * Certificates of Deposit (CD's) * Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGA's) * Buffered ETF's / Buffered Notes In our next episode we'll take a deeper dive into these Buffered ETF vehicles. To receive your free Arc of Life Report, or to talk to Michael, Stacey, and the team at Optivise Advisory Services, give them a call at (855) 378-1806, or visit our website, https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/ [https://www.artofwealthunbroken.com/]