The Personal Finance Project

The Personal Finance Project
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Personal Finance Project is a podcast dedicated to providing specialized advice on retirement planning, investment strategies, and financial management, particularly for employees in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. Hosted by experienced advisors from Baird Retirement Management, each episode delves into topics designed to help listeners make informed decisions about their financial futures. Whether you're approaching retirement or looking to optimize your investment portfolio, this show offers valuable insights tailored to your unique situation. Tune in to stay informed and take control of your financial well-being. Meet Your Hosts: •Greg Ashcroft, CFA®, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA®: Greg is a Senior Vice President at Baird Retirement Management. He joined Baird in May 2015 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Greg has earned multiple professional designations, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®). In March 2023, he graduated with a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning. •Scott Bartosh, CFP®: Scott is a Director at Baird Retirement Management and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, demonstrating his commitment to providing comprehensive financial planning services. Scott also holds a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning, highlighting his dedication to advancing his expertise in helping clients navigate their financial futures. Together, Greg and Scott bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, offering listeners practical advice and strategies to navigate the complexities of retirement planning and investment management.

  1. 2d ago

    Can You Trust Financial Advice on the Internet?

    How much of the financial advice you see online is actually true? In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, two financial advisors react to viral claims about an S&P 500 warning signal, the CAPE ratio, billionaire estate-planning strategies, irrevocable trusts, popular budgeting rules, retirement withdrawals, and whether most people really need a financial advisor. Along the way, they separate useful guidance from oversimplified advice, explain why diversification still matters, correct common misunderstandings about the 50/30/20 and 4% rules, and explore when professional financial or tax guidance may provide meaningful value. Plus, stay tuned for news about the podcast's refreshed brand and upcoming video format.

  2. Sep 3

    Buy or Sell: Navigating Markets in an Uncertain World

    Welcome to a brand-new segment of The Personal Finance Project: Buy or Sell. In this episode, Hannah puts Greg and Scott on the spot to weigh in on some of the biggest topics shaping today's financial landscape. Will inflation remain a persistent challenge through 2027? Are higher interest rates here to stay? Should investors worry about the infamous September stock market slump? And how much do midterm elections really matter to your portfolio? Along the way, the team explores the impact of energy prices, bond markets, demographic trends, political uncertainty, artificial intelligence, and historical market anomalies. Most importantly, they discuss what investors should actually do when headlines create fear and uncertainty. Whether you're concerned about inflation, curious about market seasonality, or wondering if current events should change your investment strategy, this conversation offers practical perspective grounded in long-term financial planning. Topics Covered: Inflation outlook through 2027 Rising interest rates and bond markets The September Swoon phenomenon Midterm elections and investor sentiment Why long-term planning beats market timing The role of AI in future economic growth Subscribe and send your questions to be featured in future episodes.

  3. Aug 31

    Stop Overpaying the IRS: Smarter Tax Planning in Retirement

    In this solo episode of The Personal Finance Project, Greg dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning: how to pay your taxes after leaving the workforce. Many retirees transition from automatic payroll withholding to managing taxes on their own, often leading to confusion about estimated tax payments, withholding strategies, IRS safe harbor rules, and avoiding underpayment penalties. Greg explains the differences between estimated payments and withholding, when each strategy may make sense, and why timing matters more than many investors realize. You'll also learn how tax planning changes during major retirement transitions, including your first year of retirement, large capital gains events, and the start of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers practical insights that could help you avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions about managing your tax obligations. Topics covered: • Estimated tax payments • IRS safe harbor rules • Tax withholding strategies • Capital gains and tax timing • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) • Tax planning considerations for retirees As always, consult with your tax professional before implementing any tax strategy discussed in this episode.

  4. Aug 20

    Investing Through Distressing Headlines

    Distressing headlines can make even long-term investors wonder whether they should change course. In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Greg Ashcroft and Scott Bartosh discuss how to think about portfolio decisions when markets have performed well but the news remains unsettling. They explore the difference between proactive rebalancing and market timing, why strong recent returns can leave a portfolio carrying more risk than intended, how retirement income needs can shape portfolio construction, and why periods of market stress are already part of a thoughtful long-term plan. They also revisit lessons from 2020, 2022, and other major market declines to put today's concerns in perspective. This episode is for educational purposes only and does not provide individualized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your own professionals regarding your circumstances.

  5. Aug 13

    IRS Segment Rates Are Rising: What It Means for Your Lump Sum Pension

    The latest IRS minimum present value segment rates are out — and they may have important implications for ExxonMobil employees and former employees considering a lump sum pension. In this solo episode, Scott Bartosh walks through the latest third-quarter rates, the early signals for fourth-quarter rates, and why rising interest rates can affect the value of a lump sum pension election. He also explains why timing may matter for those approaching retirement or considering when to begin benefits. If you're monitoring your pension options, this episode offers a timely overview of the numbers and the broader trends to watch. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide individualized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your own professional advisors regarding your situation.

  6. Aug 6

    Inherited IRAs: Turning a Tax Burden Into a Financial Bridge

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--sticky-padding-top)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="5833089b-2995-4384-a9b8-f844c06aaa4b" data-turn-id-container="5833089b-2995-4384-a9b8-f844c06aaa4b" data-testid="conversation-turn-11" data-turn="user">   *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:5af65200-a710-43b4-91a1-d1abf42832c4-5" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:5af65200-a710-43b4-91a1-d1abf42832c4-5" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-turn="assistant"> What happens when you inherit an IRA—and how can you make smart decisions before the 10-year clock runs out? In this episode, Greg and Scott break down the rules surrounding inherited IRAs, including the differences between eligible designated beneficiaries, non-eligible designated beneficiaries, and non-designated beneficiaries. They explain when the 10-year rule applies, why annual required distributions may still matter, and how inherited traditional and Roth IRAs are treated differently. They also explore practical planning strategies for several real-life scenarios: using an inherited IRA as a bridge to early retirement, increasing workplace retirement contributions while still employed, managing distributions during high-income years, coordinating charitable giving, and deciding whether it may make sense to name children, grandchildren, trusts, estates, or charities as beneficiaries. The big takeaway: an inherited IRA can create a tax obligation, but it can also provide flexibility, opportunity, and a meaningful source of financial freedom when managed thoughtfully. Topics include: The inherited IRA 10-year rule Required minimum distributions Spousal rollover options Traditional versus Roth inherited IRAs Early-retirement planning Tax-efficient distribution strategies Charitable giving and QCDs Estate, trust, and beneficiary planning Multi-generational wealth transfer This discussion is educational and is not intended as individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult your financial, tax, and legal professionals before making decisions about an inherited retirement account.

  7. Jul 29

    Wait for the Crash? Greg and Scott Bust 5 Investing Myths

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a6b57fa-2bf8-83ea-ad28-ce702d17fb19-8" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a6b57fa-2bf8-83ea-ad28-ce702d17fb19-8" data-testid= "conversation-turn-24" data-turn="assistant"> Some money myths are easy to dismiss. Others survive because they contain just enough truth to sound convincing. In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Hannah puts Greg and Scott on the spot with five popular claims about taxes, investing, insurance, and wealth—no preparation, no scripted answers. They tackle questions like: Do the rich really avoid paying taxes? Should you wait for the next market crash before investing? Are dividend stocks essentially free money? Is life insurance a smart investment? Does earning a high income automatically make you wealthy? Along the way, Greg and Scott explain where these ideas come from, what they get right, and where they can lead investors astray. The conversation covers market timing, dividend yield, tax strategy, insurance costs, lifestyle inflation, savings rates, asset allocation, and the habits that actually help build long-term wealth. Because when it comes to personal finance, the most popular advice is not always the most useful—and the truth is usually more nuanced than a headline. This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice.

  8. Jul 23

    The Great Wealth Transfer

    A large inheritance can help the next generation—but timing may matter just as much as the amount. In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Scott and Greg explore the psychology and planning questions behind the Great Wealth Transfer. They discuss why many retirees are accumulating larger estates than previous generations, why younger adults may feel financially behind, and whether waiting until death is always the most effective way to pass wealth forward. Listeners will hear a thoughtful discussion of lifetime gifting, inherited IRAs, Roth conversions, trusts, retirement timing, and the tension between helping children and preserving their independence. The episode also considers a broader question: who is the money ultimately meant to benefit? This conversation is educational and general in nature. Tax, estate, legal, and investment decisions should be reviewed with qualified professionals who understand your individual circumstances.

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About

The Personal Finance Project is a podcast dedicated to providing specialized advice on retirement planning, investment strategies, and financial management, particularly for employees in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. Hosted by experienced advisors from Baird Retirement Management, each episode delves into topics designed to help listeners make informed decisions about their financial futures. Whether you're approaching retirement or looking to optimize your investment portfolio, this show offers valuable insights tailored to your unique situation. Tune in to stay informed and take control of your financial well-being. Meet Your Hosts: •Greg Ashcroft, CFA®, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA®: Greg is a Senior Vice President at Baird Retirement Management. He joined Baird in May 2015 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Greg has earned multiple professional designations, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®). In March 2023, he graduated with a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning. •Scott Bartosh, CFP®: Scott is a Director at Baird Retirement Management and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, demonstrating his commitment to providing comprehensive financial planning services. Scott also holds a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning, highlighting his dedication to advancing his expertise in helping clients navigate their financial futures. Together, Greg and Scott bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, offering listeners practical advice and strategies to navigate the complexities of retirement planning and investment management.

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