Financial Planning Explained

financialplanningexplained
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Learn about financial planning strategies, ways to reduce taxes, how much you can spend in retirement, Social Security benefits, Roth IRA conversions and contributions, portfolio diversification, creating retirement income, and more. Episodes include review of case studies and interviews with subject matter experts. At Menninger & Associates, our philosophy is based on the fundamentals of financial planning. Further, we strongly believe that education and knowledge are powerful. In the end, all decisions are ultimately made by our clients, so each client knows why they are making those decisions thanks to our extremely informative meetings. Tune into this educational channel to learn strategies used every day!

  1. 4d ago

    Estate Planning & Inheritance: Real Estate Case Study — What You Need to Know | Nick DeVito, CFP

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, welcomes back Nick DeVito, CFP®, to walk through a practical estate planning and inheritance case study involving a daughter who is trying to piece together her late father’s financial affairs. In this real-world scenario, the daughter is struggling to track down important assets, including her father’s pension, 401(k), and life insurance policy. Even more concerning, she doesn’t know whether she was named as a beneficiary—or who may have been designated to receive these assets. Mike and Nick explore the challenges families can face after the death of a loved one when financial accounts, beneficiary designations, and important documents aren't clearly organized or communicated. The discussion highlights why proactive estate planning and proper beneficiary designations are so important, and how a lack of planning can create unnecessary stress and uncertainty for surviving family members. The conversation provides practical insight into how families can better prepare for the transfer of wealth, locate financial assets, review beneficiary designations, and ensure their estate plan reflects their wishes. Listeners will gain valuable insight into: How to track down a deceased family member’s pension, 401(k), and life insurance What happens when you don't know who the beneficiary is Why beneficiary designations are so important in estate planning Common problems families encounter after the death of a loved one How retirement accounts and insurance policies are transferred after death The importance of keeping financial records and account information organized Why beneficiary designations should be reviewed regularly How proactive estate planning can help prevent confusion and family stress What families should know about inheritance and wealth transfer How a comprehensive estate plan can help protect your family and assets Estate planning isn't just about deciding what happens to your assets—it's also about making sure your loved ones can find those assets and understand what to do with them when the time comes. This case study illustrates how missing information and outdated beneficiary designations can create significant challenges, and why having a clear plan in place can make the inheritance process much smoother. Whether you're creating your own estate plan, helping aging parents organize their finances, or preparing to pass wealth on to the next generation, this episode offers practical insights and real-world considerations to help you plan ahead. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

  2. Aug 4

    Medicare Explained Part II: IRMAA Explained + Real Medicare Case Study | Cheryl Lagunilla

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, welcomes back Cheryl Lagunilla, Health Insurance Advisor at Focused Health Access, to continue their Medicare discussion with a practical, real-world case study and an in-depth look at IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Building on the Medicare fundamentals covered in Part I, Mike and Cheryl walk through a realistic Medicare planning scenario to demonstrate how coverage decisions, enrollment timing, and income can affect healthcare costs in retirement. They also explain how IRMAA works, who is affected, and why higher-income retirees may pay increased premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D. The conversation highlights common situations retirees face when enrolling in Medicare, strategies for minimizing unexpected costs, and the importance of incorporating healthcare planning into an overall retirement strategy. Whether you're nearing Medicare eligibility, already enrolled, or helping a loved one navigate the process, this episode offers practical insights to help you make more informed decisions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into: What IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is and how it works How income affects Medicare Part B and Part D premiums A real-life Medicare case study and planning example Common Medicare enrollment and planning mistakes Strategies to help reduce unexpected Medicare costs How healthcare decisions fit into a comprehensive retirement plan Tips for evaluating Medicare coverage based on your personal situation Why proactive Medicare planning can help you avoid costly surprises Understanding how Medicare premiums are calculated—and how your financial decisions can impact your healthcare costs—is an essential part of retirement planning. This episode provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help simplify Medicare planning and prepare you for the road ahead. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com.

  3. Jul 28

    Medicare Explained: Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap & Medicaid | Avoid Costly Mistakes | Cheryl Lagunilla

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, is joined by Cheryl Lagunilla, Health Insurance Advisor at Focused Health Access, for a comprehensive discussion on Medicare and Medicaid—two of the most important healthcare programs for retirees and those approaching retirement. In this episode, Mike and Cheryl break down the fundamentals of Medicare, including Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), before exploring the different coverage options available, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug coverage. They also discuss how Medicaid works alongside Medicare, who may qualify for additional financial assistance, and the programs that can help reduce healthcare costs. The conversation also covers critical Medicare enrollment deadlines, common enrollment mistakes, and how to avoid costly late enrollment penalties that can impact your healthcare expenses for years to come. Whether you're approaching age 65, helping a family member navigate Medicare, or simply planning ahead for retirement, this episode provides practical guidance to help you make informed healthcare decisions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into: Medicare Part A and Part B explained Medicare Advantage (Part C) vs. Medigap coverage Understanding Medicare Part D prescription drug plans Medicaid eligibility and additional financial assistance programs Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period rules How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties Common Medicare mistakes and how to avoid them Healthcare planning as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy Tips for choosing the right Medicare coverage for your needs Understanding your healthcare options is a critical part of successful retirement planning. This episode helps simplify the often-confusing Medicare and Medicaid landscape so you can make confident decisions about your coverage and future healthcare costs. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com.

  4. Jul 21

    Third Quarter Market Outlook 2026: What Investors Should Consider | Brad Sorensen, CFA

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, welcomes back regular guest Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for an in-depth discussion on the latest stock market outlook and the key events shaping the global economy. In this episode, Mike and Brad examine whether today's stock market valuations remain justified as corporate earnings continue to surprise to the upside. With second-quarter earnings showing strong growth across several sectors, investors are asking an important question: Can the market continue climbing, or are risks beginning to outweigh the opportunities? The conversation explores the current investment landscape, including the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, geopolitical uncertainty, inflation trends, interest rate expectations, and how global events may influence markets in the months ahead. Mike and Brad also discuss investor sentiment, economic growth prospects, and what recent earnings data may signal for the future direction of stocks. Whether you're an investor, retiree, financial advisor, or simply interested in understanding today's markets, this episode provides practical perspectives on navigating uncertainty while maintaining a disciplined, long-term investment approach. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit https://maaplanning.com.

  5. Jul 14

    The Stock Market Right Now: What's Happening & What's Next | Brad Sorensen, CFA

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back regular guest Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. In this episode, Mike and Brad discuss the current state of the stock market, examining the latest economic data, market trends, and the key forces shaping today's investment landscape. They break down what's driving recent market performance, how stocks and bonds are reacting to changing economic conditions, and what investors should expect in the months ahead. The conversation covers inflation, interest rates, Federal Reserve policy, corporate earnings, economic growth, and investor sentiment, while offering practical insights into navigating market volatility with confidence. Brad also shares his perspective on maintaining a disciplined, long-term investment strategy and avoiding common emotional investing mistakes during uncertain times. Whether you're an investor, retiree, financial advisor, or simply looking to better understand today's markets, this episode provides valuable insight into the current market environment, what it means for your portfolio, and the opportunities and risks investors should be watching moving forward. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit https://maaplanning.com.

  6. Jul 7

    Second Quarter Market Recap 2026 | What Investors Need to Know with Brad Sorensen, CFA

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back regular guest Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. In this episode, Mike and Brad break down the performance of the financial markets during the second quarter of 2026, discussing the key economic events that influenced stocks, bonds, and investor sentiment throughout the quarter. They examine the latest developments in inflation, interest rates, economic growth, corporate earnings, and Federal Reserve policy, while providing perspective on what these trends could mean for investors heading into the second half of the year. Brad also shares his insights on navigating ongoing market uncertainty, maintaining a disciplined long-term investment strategy, and avoiding emotional decision-making during periods of volatility. Whether you're an investor, retiree, financial advisor, or simply interested in understanding today's financial markets, this episode offers valuable insight into the Q2 2026 market recap, current economic conditions, and what investors should be watching next. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit https://maaplanning.com.

  7. Jun 30

    Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study (Part 3): IRMAA & Roth IRA Conversions | Nick DeVito, CFP

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, and Nick DeVito, CFP®, continue their Social Security Survivor Benefits case study series with Part 3, focusing on three critical retirement planning strategies: IRMAA, the Rule of 72, and Roth IRA conversions. Building on the previous episodes, Mike and Nick explore how income planning, taxes, and investment decisions all work together when creating a successful retirement strategy. They break down how the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can impact Medicare premiums, why proactive tax planning matters, and how retirees can potentially avoid unexpected increases in healthcare costs. The conversation also dives into the Rule of 72, a simple but powerful financial concept that helps investors understand how long it may take their money to double over time. Mike and Nick explain how this rule can provide perspective when evaluating growth, inflation, and long-term retirement planning decisions. A major focus of this episode is Roth IRA conversions and how they can be used as a tax-planning tool. They discuss when conversions may make sense, how tax brackets impact conversion decisions, and why strategically managing taxable income throughout retirement can help preserve more wealth for the future. Through this real-world financial planning case study, viewers will learn why Social Security, Medicare, investment management, and tax strategy should all be coordinated as part of a comprehensive retirement plan — especially during major life transitions like becoming a surviving spouse. Whether you're approaching retirement, managing inherited assets, navigating Medicare decisions, or looking for ways to reduce future taxes, this episode provides practical retirement planning insights to help you make more informed financial decisions. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

  8. Jun 26

    Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study (Part 2): Unrealized Capital Gains | Nick DeVito, CFP

    This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, and Nick DeVito, CFP®, continue their in-depth Social Security Survivor Benefits case study by exploring one of the most overlooked planning opportunities: unrealized capital gains. Building on Part 1, Mike and Nick examine how appreciated investments and unrealized capital gains can influence a surviving spouse's long-term financial strategy. Through a real-world financial planning scenario, they explain how inherited assets receive a step-up in cost basis, how capital gains are taxed after the death of a spouse, and why understanding these rules can help families minimize taxes while maximizing retirement income. Throughout the episode, they demonstrate how Social Security survivor benefits should never be viewed in isolation. Instead, they show how coordinating survivor benefits with investment portfolios, capital gains planning, tax-efficient withdrawals, and estate planning can create a more comprehensive and effective retirement strategy. Whether you're planning for retirement, helping aging parents, managing inherited investments, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, this episode provides practical insights that can help you preserve more of your wealth and avoid costly mistakes. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

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About

Learn about financial planning strategies, ways to reduce taxes, how much you can spend in retirement, Social Security benefits, Roth IRA conversions and contributions, portfolio diversification, creating retirement income, and more. Episodes include review of case studies and interviews with subject matter experts. At Menninger & Associates, our philosophy is based on the fundamentals of financial planning. Further, we strongly believe that education and knowledge are powerful. In the end, all decisions are ultimately made by our clients, so each client knows why they are making those decisions thanks to our extremely informative meetings. Tune into this educational channel to learn strategies used every day!

Information

  • Creator
    financialplanningexplained
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Financial Planning Explained

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