The Confident Dollar Podcast

What is the Stock Market, Really?

The stock market. We hear about it all the time—but what is it, really? In this clear and approachable episode, we’re breaking it all down so you can finally understand what the stock market is, how it works, and how you fit into it as an investor. Whether you’re brand new to investing or just want a refresher, this episode will give you the foundation you need to feel confident and informed. 💡 You’ll learn: * What the stock market actually is (in plain English) * Why companies sell shares to the public * What causes stock prices to go up and down * How you’re probably already investing—without realizing it * Why staying invested over time builds wealth If you’ve ever felt like the stock market is too confusing or intimidating, this episode is your friendly guide to understanding it all. ⭐️ Thanks for listening! We appreciate your support - please subscribe to the show & leave a 5 star review! 🫶🏼 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/ [https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/] 📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at lauren.gage@lpl.com Connect with Me: Website: www.selahportfoliosandplanning.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w]

Index Funds vs. Mutual Funds vs. ETFs: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between index funds, mutual funds, and ETFs—you’re not alone! In this Investing 101 episode, I break down each type of investment in plain English so you can feel confident making choices that fit your financial goals. You’ll learn: ✔️ What each fund actually is ✔️ The pros and cons of mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs ✔️ Which type might work best for your retirement account or brokerage account ✔️ The one key feature they all have in common (and why it matters) This episode is perfect for beginner investors who want to get smarter with their money—without the jargon or overwhelm. 🎙️ Hit play, and let’s make money make sense. ⭐️ Thanks for listening! We appreciate your support - please subscribe to the show & leave a 5 star review! 🫶🏼 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/ [https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/] 📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at lauren.gage@lpl.com Connect with Me: Website: www.selahportfoliosandplanning.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w]

Pay Yourself First

The secret to wealth - paying yourself first! ⭐️ Thanks for listening! We appreciate your support - please subscribe to the show & leave a 5 star review! 🫶🏼 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/ [https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/] 📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at lauren.gage@lpl.com Connect with Me: Website: www.selahportfoliosandplanning.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w]

All Things ROTH

There are so many options for getting retirement assets into ROTH. In this episode I walk through Roth IRAs, Roth Employer Plans, Backdoor Roth, Roth Conversions & Mega Backdoor Roths.  Disclosures:  Contributions to a Roth IRA are taxed in the contribution year. The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change. Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA. Mega Backdoor Roth:  Although this strategy has existed since 2010, the IRS has not officially commented or provided formal guidance on whether it violates the step-transaction rule. (When applied, this rule treats what are several different steps as if they were a single transaction for tax purposes.) Experts have mixed opinions on the likelihood of this happening, but the lack of a definitive ruling means there is some risk involved. If the IRS decides that the loophole is a violation, if restrictions do come into play at some point, they could require backdoor Roth converters to pay a penalty, or they might include a grandfather clause. There’s no guarantee the backdoor Roth IRA strategy will always be available. Congress recently considered legislation that would have eliminated the backdoor option. As of now, the backdoor Roth IRA is still around, but no one can predict its future. If you use this backdoor Roth strategy solely to sidestep the earnings limits on Roth, you need to be aware of the risks and seek the counsel and support of a tax professional. ⭐️ Thanks for listening! We appreciate your support - please subscribe to the show & leave a 5 star review! 🫶🏼 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/ [https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/] 📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at lauren.gage@lpl.com Connect with Me: Website: www.selahportfoliosandplanning.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w]

How to Save for Retirement if You're Self-Employed

You did it, you quit your job & started your own business. But you're not sure what the best way to save for retirement is now that you don't have a 401k through work. In this episode, I discuss the two main options I use for self-employed clients.  SEP IRA vs Solo-K  Get the pros & cons and see what might be right for your business!  ⭐️ Thanks for listening! We appreciate your support - please subscribe to the show & leave a 5 star review! 🫶🏼 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/ [https://www.instagram.com/selah_portfolios_and_planning/] 📧 Want to get in touch? Email me at lauren.gage@lpl.com Connect with Me: Website: www.selahportfoliosandplanning.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gage-6451a9166/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjumeCRIIAvexdKum005_w]