Advertise on podcast: Unlocking Your Financial Future

Tax planning is easier when you make decisions before the calendar forces your hand. Today, we walk through several mid-year tax planning strategies that may help retirees coordinate income, investments, and giving more intentionally throughout the year. The key is knowing which opportunities actually fit your situation instead of assuming every popular tax strategy belongs in your plan. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Mid-Year Planning: Start before tax season 🔄 Roth Conversions: Evaluate future tax exposure 📆 Annual Strategy: Reassess conversions each year 📉 Tax Losses: Use downturns strategically 🎁 Charitable Giving: Coordinate gifts with taxes 📤 QCD Planning: RMDs can support giving For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

A housing change in retirement can affect far more than where you live. In this episode, the team looks at why major home decisions need to be coordinated with the rest of your financial plan before emotions or deadlines take over. The right move is often the one that gives you the lifestyle you want without creating unnecessary pressure elsewhere in retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Housing Costs: Expectations need a reset 🔁 Housing Options: Move, expand, or renovate 💸 Mortgage Decisions: Debt can still fit ⚖️ Tax Trade-Off: Compare interest with taxes 🧾 Home-Sale Taxes: Understand gains and exemptions For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Dividends can be an important part of an investor’s total return, but there’s often confusion about how they actually work. Ben and Keith break down the basics of dividend investing and explain why changes in a stock’s price do not necessarily mean changes in the income it produces. Understanding the numbers can help investors look beyond daily price movements and see the bigger picture. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Dividend Basics: Dividends can provide income and contribute to total return 📉 Market Volatility: Falling share prices don’t automatically mean falling dividends 📊 Dividend Yield: Yield changes as a stock’s market price changes ⚖️ Portfolio Strategy: Dividend stocks can help balance growth and volatility 🧾 Tax Considerations: Dividend taxation depends on account and dividend type For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Market declines can feel risky, but short-term volatility and long-term investment risk are not necessarily the same thing. In Part 1 of this two-part market discussion, Ben and Keith examine some key elements that often influence investment decisions. They also explain how a disciplined strategy can help investors respond to changing markets without trying to predict every high and low.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Volatility and Risk: Short-term declines are not automatically long-term danger 📈 Opportunity Risk: Avoiding markets can carry high costs 💵 Inflation Risk: Returns must outpace rising living costs ⚖️ Portfolio Rebalancing: Market movement can create strategic opportunities 🌊 Managing Volatility: Discipline can help smooth the investment experience 🧠 Emotion vs. Logic: Fear can lead investors toward harmful decisions   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Markets can look calm on the surface while powerful forces build underneath. In this episode, Ben and Keith step back from the day-to-day noise and examine the bigger structural trends shaping the investment landscape. They dig into how professional forecasters are positioning for the year ahead, what scenarios could surprise investors, and why disciplined strategy matters more than reacting to headlines. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Earnings Power: Profits justify elevated valuations 💵 Consumer Strength: Spending still driving growth 🤖 AI Disruption: Productivity up, jobs pressured 🌍 Trade Noise: Tariffs loud, impact limited 🔌 Energy Demand: Data centers fueling growth 💻 Digital Currency: Asset class, not currency   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The AI boom has driven headlines, soaring valuations, and a lot of excitement in the markets, but what might be getting overlooked along the way? In Part 2 of this conversation, Ben and CIO Keith Lockwood step back to discuss how debt, market structure, and investor behavior can quietly shape risk during fast-moving trends. Want to make more informed decisions in an AI-driven market? Tune in to hear what others may be missing. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤖 AI Valuations: rapid growth pushing market expectations 💳 Debt Risk: borrowing fueling AI expansion 📉 Hidden Debt: off-balance-sheet exposure increasing volatility 🧭 Portfolio Positioning: managing risk through diversification 📊 Future Trends?: There may be regulation and market shifts ahead   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

In this episode, Ben and Chief Investment Officer Keith Lockwood break down the major forces shaping today’s financial markets, from the rise of AI and big tech to the evolving role of the Federal Reserve. They explore how these trends are impacting investors, jobs, and economic outlooks as we approach 2026. Don’t miss this episode if you want to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter financial decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Market Bifurcation: why headline performance hides what’s happening underneath 📉 Yield Curve & The Fed: what inversion means—and what it doesn’t 🤖 AI & Employment: how automation is reshaping the job market 🎯 The Fed’s Mandate: inflation, employment, and their current dilemma 📈 Rate Expectations: what rate cuts (or no cuts) could mean for markets   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

In this episode, we dive back into the world of Ashland University basketball with Coach John Ellenwood and standout forward Maceo Williams. They share how college athletics has evolved and the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent. It’s a candid look at leadership, discipline, and teamwork beyond the scoreboard. Tune in for powerful insights on how coaches and players adapt in an ever-changing college sports landscape.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏅 Career Highlights: standout stats and leadership moments 🤝 Recruiting Challenges: finding the right cultural fit 🔁 Player Retention: building loyalty through connection 🎯 Team Goals: shared purpose for the season ahead ⚖️ College Basketball Today: balancing competition and character   Learn more about the Ashland University Eagles: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/mens-basketball    For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

In the first part of this two-part conversation, we get to know Ashland University Eagles Forward Maceo Williams and Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Ellenwood: their backgrounds, goals for the upcoming season, and what makes the Ashland experience so special. You’ll hear candid reflections on balancing academics and basketball, the impact of strong mentorship, and the determination it takes to thrive both on and off the court.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏀 Maceo’s Journey: How Maceo became one of Ashland’s top athletes 👀 Coach’s Perspective: What Coach Ellenwood looks for in a player beyond stats and highlights 🕒 Life of a Student-Athlete: Balancing classes, practices, film study, and personal life 🤝 Asking for Help: The underrated skill that leads to success on and off the court 🔥 Motivation: Lessons in discipline, leadership, and lifelong teamwork   Learn more about the Ashland University Eagles: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/mens-basketball     For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Wadsworth, Ohio, is soaring thanks to a unique partnership between aviation enthusiasts and community leaders. In this episode, Ben is joined by Mike Bowser, a retired USAF pilot and President of Inspire Aviation, and Tom Strong, organizer of Balloons Over Wadsworth. Together, they share how two grassroots efforts have evolved into major community events that fuel economic growth, inspire the next generation of aviators, and bring thousands of people together every year.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💵 Economic Impact: how local aviation events are driving growth in Wadsworth 🎓 STEM Outreach: inspiring young minds through hands-on aviation programs ⚙️ Aviation Challenges: workforce shortages and opportunities for skilled trades 🚀 Future Vision: expansion plans, partnerships, and continued community engagement 🙌 Get Involved: volunteering, sponsorships, and ways to support aviation education   Resources for this episode: Learn more about Inspire Aviation: https://www.inspireaviation.org/ Learn more about Balloons Over Wadsworth: https://www.balloonsoverwadsworth.com/   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” may be a mouthful, but it brings major changes for retirees. In this follow-up episode, Ben and Kaitlin dive deeper into how the new tax law impacts retirement planning strategies. They discuss expanded standard deductions for those over 65, the long-term effects on required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how Roth conversions can help manage future taxes.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Updates to tax brackets and standard deductions 🕰️ Why today’s tax moves affect future RMDs 🔄 Roth conversion opportunities under OBBB ⚖️ Key considerations like SALT deductions and legislative changes 💡 Why a personalized plan is important for long-term retirement success   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is already reshaping the retirement planning landscape, and it’s left many pre-retirees and retirees wondering what it truly means for them. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin break down the most talked-about provisions, like changes to tax brackets, the permanence of the standard deduction, and how “tax-free Social Security” headlines don’t always tell the whole story. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚖️ Tax brackets remain unchanged for now 🏡 Standard deduction increases offer big relief, but only for some ⏳ Extra deductions for those over 65 will phase out after 2028 📰 Headlines can be misleading, so focus on your own personalized strategy 🔄 “Permanent” tax changes may still shift with future elections For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Retirement isn’t about hitting a magic number- it’s about building a fulfilling next chapter and creating a life you truly enjoy. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin share the common themes they’ve noticed among people who thrive after leaving the workforce. From disciplined budgeting habits to seeking guidance on taxes and distributions, they unpack what really drives a fulfilling retirement and why it looks different for everyone. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Budget discipline translates into retirement success 🏖️ Having a post-retirement game plan eases the transition 👥 Retirement impacts social circles and identity 📊 Planning cash flow and taxes avoids future pitfalls 🗺️ Common themes of retirees who retired successfully  For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

Starting to save and invest can seem complicated, especially with so many options and opinions out there. In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin cut through the noise and lay out a practical order of steps that will put your money to work right away. They’ll walk you through building an emergency fund that truly fits your lifestyle, explain the pros and cons of IRAs, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts, and show how each choice can set you up for lasting financial momentum. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🛟 Building an emergency fund that fits your lifestyle 💼 Using your employer’s 401(k) match as a savings accelerator 📈 Why brokerage accounts can offer more flexibility than IRAs or Roths 🎓 How new 529 plan rules can also boost your child’s retirement ⚖️ Balancing debt payoff with growing your savings For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/

What’s the one mistake that can quietly drain your retirement savings year after year? In this episode, Ben and Kaitlin tackle one of the biggest pitfalls retirees face: mismanaging their spending. Ben reveals the real threats to retirement income, and it’s not just inflation. It’s unrealistic budgets, healthcare curveballs, and those spontaneous purchases. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Why overspending early can ruin your retirement plan 🧾 The difference between realistic and wishful budgeting 🏥 Health insurance traps when you retire before Medicare 📉 What happens when you sell investments in a down market 🏠 How to plan for home projects without derailing your future   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/