The Personal Finance Project

The Personal Finance Project
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Jul 16

    Six Months In: Why Investors Were Rewarded Despite the Headlines

    The first half of 2026 reminded investors of an important lesson: markets don't always move the way headlines suggest. In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Greg and Scott break down the first six months of the year, discussing why equities posted solid returns despite geopolitical uncertainty, what drove performance beyond the biggest technology companies, and why today's bond market looks very different than it did just a few years ago. You'll also hear their thoughts on: Mid-year market performance Stocks vs. bonds in today's interest-rate environment Small-cap and international markets Gold and Bitcoin as portfolio assets Why staying invested during volatility often matters more than making predictions This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

  6. Jul 2

    Too Clever by Half: The Problem with Popular Roth Advice

    In this solo episode of The Personal Finance Project, Greg Ashcroft tackles one of the most popular—and often misunderstood—topics in personal finance: Roth accounts. From Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s to Roth conversions, conventional wisdom often treats Roth strategies as the obvious choice. Greg argues that the reality is far more nuanced. Drawing on real-world retirement planning experience, Greg breaks down nine common Roth myths and explains why many of the arguments used to promote Roth contributions and conversions may overlook critical factors such as opportunity cost, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth accumulation. Topics include the famous "pay tax on the seed, not the tree" analogy, the belief that investment growth can overcome tax inefficiency, the role of cash-on-hand in Roth conversions, concerns about future tax rates, and the idea that tax-free income is always superior. Greg also explores the often-overlooked advantages of traditional retirement accounts, including standard deduction planning, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and strategies for managing required minimum distributions (RMDs). Along the way, he challenges several popular narratives surrounding Roth accounts and encourages listeners to think critically before accepting one-size-fits-all financial advice. Whether you're considering a Roth conversion, deciding between traditional and Roth contributions, or simply trying to better understand the tax implications of your retirement savings strategy, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on one of the most debated topics in financial planning. Topics Discussed: The "Seeds vs. Trees" Roth argument Why growth doesn't eliminate tax inefficiency The myth of "cash on hand" for Roth conversions Are taxes really destined to rise? Traditional IRA advantages many investors overlook QCDs, RMDs, and retirement tax planning The hidden opportunity cost of paying taxes early Why Roth accounts aren't automatically the best choice How to evaluate Roth strategies more objectively As always, this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult your tax professional, attorney, or financial advisor before making decisions regarding your specific situation.

  7. Jun 18

    Achieving Financial Escape Velocity

    In this episode, we introduce the concept of "financial escape velocity"—a practical middle ground between traditional retirement and the extreme version of the FIRE movement. We discuss how to recognize when your investments begin doing the heavy lifting, reducing the need for continued high levels of saving, and what that inflection point can mean for your lifestyle decisions. We explore key indicators, including when portfolio growth begins to exceed contributions, how early savings discipline can create long-term flexibility, and why not all additional saving has equal value over time. The conversation also touches on trade-offs between deferred consumption and enjoying income earlier in life, as well as how tools like traditional retirement accounts can help accelerate progress toward financial independence. Ultimately, this episode is aimed at individuals who have built a strong financial foundation and are evaluating how to balance continued saving with the opportunity to live more fully today—without compromising long-term goals.

  8. Jun 11

    Trump Accounts Explained: What Families Need to Know

    Trump Accounts are generating a lot of interest—but how do they actually work, and where do they fit within a broader financial plan? In this episode, we walk through: Who qualifies and how contributions work Tax treatment and key differences vs. Roth IRAs and 529 plans Potential long-term growth implications Strategic considerations at key decision points Common risks, including tax complexity and behavioral pitfalls We also discuss how families might think about coordinating Trump Accounts with existing savings strategies and why flexibility still matters when planning for future generations.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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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