The Financial Lab

The Financial Lab

Creating a solid retirement requires more than an idea. It can take a lot of trial and error to tell the difference between just a hypothesis and the real-world truths. That’s why you need a source that puts the data to the test and discovers the results only years of experience can bring to the table. There’s everyone else, and then there’s The Financial Lab with Travis Shepherd! Each week Travis brings his unique angle to the financial news of the day and looks through the headlines to break down the real data you want for your retirement. Whether you’re experimenting with the market or just need to make sense of the hard numbers, The Financial Lab makes sure you get the research you need. Shepherd Wealth Solutions

Episodes

June 17, 2025 11 mins

On this episode of The Financial Lab Podcast, Travis delves into the various types of investment accounts, focusing on the differences between IRAs and regular investment accounts, as well as the significance of 401(k)s and employer-sponsored accounts. They emphasize the importance of understanding tax implications and personalized financial planning to maximize wealth-building opportunities.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Vi...

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On this episode of The Financial Lab Podcast, Travis dive into the fundamentals of investing, covering essential topics such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. They emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose behind investing and debunk common myths, particularly around diversification. The conversation aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial future.

Ready to bui...

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In this episode of The Financial Lab Podcast, Travis delves into the complexities of taxes in retirement. He discusses how various income sources, including Social Security, pensions, and IRAs, are taxed and the importance of planning for these taxes to avoid unexpected financial burdens. The conversation also covers the implications of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and how they can impact tax strategies. Additionally, Trav...

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In this episode of The Financial Lab Podcast, Travis delves into the topic of tariffs, explaining their definition, significance, and impact on the economy. He discusses how tariffs function as taxes on imports, leading to increased prices for consumers and potential inflation. The conversation highlights the broader economic implications, including the effects on corporate profits, consumer spending, and GDP. Travis emphasizes the...

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April 22, 2025 15 mins

In this episode, Travis Shepard discusses the importance of asset protection and common mistakes individuals and business owners make in safeguarding their wealth. Travis emphasizes the need for a risk management strategy to navigate market fluctuations and shares a success story of a client who benefited from proactive asset management.

The conversation highlights the significance of being aware of market risks and the necessity o...

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In this episode, Travis Shepherd discusses the importance of guaranteed income in retirement planning. He explores various sources of guaranteed income, including Social Security and annuities, and emphasize the need for a solid financial foundation to ensure a secure retirement. Through a case study of a client named Betty, they illustrate how strategic planning can enhance income while minimizing tax burdens.

The conversation hig...

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In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepard discusses the complexities of financial planning for aging parents. He explores the importance of initiating difficult conversations about financial situations, the significance of estate planning, and the role of powers of attorney and trusts in ensuring a smooth transition of wealth.

The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive planning to maintain independence and prepar...

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In this episode, Travis discusses the intricacies of Social Security, including its origins, common misconceptions, and the importance of tax planning in retirement. He emphasizes that Social Security is not just a safety net but a complex system that requires careful consideration in financial planning.

The conversation highlights the need for individuals to understand the tax implications of their Social Security benefits and to ...

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February 25, 2025 14 mins

In this episode, Travis Shepard discusses the complexities of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal spending needs and the qualitative aspects of retirement beyond just financial numbers. He explores how to approach retirement planning by considering both financial and time factors, encouraging listeners to think about their desired lifestyle in retirement and how to start living those dreams now...

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February 11, 2025 14 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses significant tax changes that occurred during Trump's presidency and what potential changes may come in the future. He explores how these tax changes impact individuals and businesses, emphasizing the importance of adapting financial strategies to remain tax-efficient.

The conversation also highlights the need for proactive planning and regular communication with financ...

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January 14, 2025 13 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the significant changes in retirement planning for 2025, including updates to IRAs and 401k contributions, the new 10-year rule for inherited IRAs, and adjustments to health savings accounts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes for effective financial and legacy planning in the new year.

Ready to tackle those New Year's Resolutions? Visit h...

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December 31, 2024 16 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis discusses the differences between qualified and non-qualified money, exploring the various types of retirement accounts and their tax implications. He delves into the pros and cons of each type of account, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts for effective financial planning and retirement strategies.

The conversation also touches on New Year traditions, providing a...

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December 10, 2024 18 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the importance of financial planning for business owners, particularly in relation to tax strategies and the role of a financial advisor. He shares personal anecdotes about Christmas traditions in his large family and transitions into the significance of understanding the tax code to maximize financial efficiency.

The conversation emphasizes the need for business owner...

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November 26, 2024 14 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd discusses the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a new law requiring business owners to disclose their beneficial ownership information to the government. He explores the implications of this law for small businesses, the filing process, and the potential legal challenges it faces.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of compliance and the need for business owners to be awa...

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November 5, 2024 13 mins

In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepard dives into the intricacies of 401(k) plans, discussing their structure, tax implications, and strategies for maximizing retirement savings. Travis explains the differences between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions, emphasizing the importance of understanding IRS regulations to make informed financial decisions.

The conversation highlights the significance of a multi-prong...

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In this episode of The Financial Lab, Travis Shepherd shares his journey into financial advisory, the services offered by his firm, and the common misconceptions about financial advisors. Travis emphasizes the importance of personalized financial planning, risk management, and tax strategies in achieving financial success.

He highlights the need for advisors to actively manage investments and provide comprehensive tax advice to hel...

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November 1, 2024 1 min

Creating a solid retirement requires more than an idea. It can take a lot of trial and error to tell the difference between just a hypothesis and the real-world truths. That’s why you need a source that puts the data to the test and discovers the results only years of experience can bring to the table.

There’s everyone else, and then there’s The Financial Lab with Travis Shepherd! Each week Travis brings his unique angle to the fin...

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We’ve talked before about the 60/40 portfolio (60% stock, 40% bonds) and how horrible it performed last year.  Both stocks and bonds took a big hit.  Hear if David and Travis agree and if their is another portfolio allocation they prefer.

 

Protect, grow, and Reduce Taxes on your Wealth!

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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There’s a major tax event coming in 2026.  And that’s the expiration of the so-called ‘Trump tax cuts’ (the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017).  What do people need to understand about this when it comes to tax planning and what should they consider for the next few years?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Want to talk about risk? Risk is also a part of retirement planning.  But, how can you be a part of the "risk" and also protect and grow your money? David and Travis explain in todays episode!  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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