Financial Freedom Podcast Steven J. Richardson, Esq.

When it comes to retirement savings and investing, or any long term investing goal, there are many options for where to put your money. There are mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, and the like. One option is something called Exchange-Traded Funds.
These funds with the rather mysterious name can be a good option for investors. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these funds, what they are, and whether you should consider them for your investment portfolio.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What ETFs Are
- The different kinds of ETFs
- How to buy them
- Tax Implications
- Factors to consider in choosing ETFs

According to the authors of the book The Millionaire Next Door, self-employed people make up less than 20 percent of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires. So for those who want financial freedom on the millionaire level, being their own boss is something that should at least be looked into.
But starting a business isn't easy, and most of them fail within the first 3 years. This has some people thinking about owning a franchise instead. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Giuseppe Grammatico about the franchise model, and whether it's right for you.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The freedoms that come with business ownership
- The secrets to starting (and scaling up) a lucrative side hustle
- Why you should consider the franchise model for your business
- The risks of owning a franchise

Treasury bonds can be a key part of your long term investment strategy. There's been a lot of talk about Series I bonds, which were created to protect you against inflation (something we've all been struggling with over the past couple of years). But are they still a smart choice in today's economy?
In this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about this classification of treasury bond, how it can help you in your portfolio, and whether now is a good time to buy them.
In this episode you will learn:
- What Series I Bonds Are
- Whether They're a Good Investment
- How to Buy I Bonds
- Whether You Should Buy I Bonds
- What the Risk Factors Are

Although student loans continue to be a hot topic in personal finance news, there are many interesting articles and tips out there that can help you on your path to financial freedom.  These include a new repayment plan for student loans, a better place to put your savings, tips on saving on wedding costs, and tips on making your children financially independent.
Thant's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about these various news items, many of which are cause for optimism in the latter half of this year. I hope they can help you build your emergency fund, pay down your student loans, and make your child financially independent.
In this episode you will learn:
- Whether to Move Your Savings to a Money Market Account
- Tips on Cutting Wedding Costs
- How paying with cash helps you to forget "guilty pleasures"
- Information on President Biden's new student loan plans
- How to help yor child become financially independent

Your personal finances are never "set it and forget it." Even if you have set up a budget, have autopay on your bills, and a good retirement savings strategy, you still need to check in periodically to be sure that your financial ship is sailing in the right direction.
That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to do a mid-year checkup. You need to do this now (better yet every quarter) to make sure that your financial ship doesn't need a course correction.
In this episode you will learn:
- Why a Mid-Year Checkup is Important
- The Importance of Tax Planning Now
- How Reviewing Your Budget at the Halfway Point Helps
- About Reviewing Your Net Worth

With all that is going on in our economy, from inflation to worries about recession and the resumption of student loan payments, people are getting stressed out about their finances. Money woes and fears can really weigh on your mind.
That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how that stress can affect your life, and what you can do to reduce it. You should also check out Episode 105 of the podcast where I talk about this with psychologist Dr. David Weiman.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The Effects of Financial Stress on Your Life
- How to Identify the Cause of the Stress
- How Getting Control of Your Finances Can Reduce Stress
- Saving on Gas For Your Summer Road Trip