Amplified Wealth

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Mike Arone, Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors, to unpack the complex forces shaping today’s investment landscape - from weakening dollar trends to the case for global diversification.

Episode Highlights:

🌍 US vs. International Markets: Why foreign markets are outperforming - and whether that ...

After a strong start to the year, markets reversed course in Q1, with major indices posting their weakest quarterly returns since 2022.

Behind the headlines: cooling economic data, rising inflation expectations, and renewed uncertainty around trade and policy heading into Q2.

What’s driving the disconnect between hard data and soft sentiment? How will proposed tariffs, shifting Fed policy, and global volatility sh...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell break down a major Secure Act 2.0 provision taking effect in 2025: the Super Catch-Up Contribution for workers aged 60 to 63.
 
Episode Highlights:
 
🦸‍♂️ Super Catch-Up Uncovered: Workers aged 60–63 can contribute $11,250 - a boost over the standard $7,500 catch-up limit.
 
📅 Timing is Everything: Why your ag...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, the team sits down with Kevin Kang, Vanguard’s Senior International Economist, to explore the key forces shaping the economy and financial markets over the next decade.

Backed by over 100 years of historical data, Kevin and his team analyzed the "megatrends" likely to drive future GDP growth — and the risks that could drag it down.

Episode Highlights:

📈 The 5 Meg...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein dive into Section 121, the powerful (but often overlooked) tax break that can exclude up to $500,000 in capital gains when selling your primary residence.
 
Episode Highlights:
 
🏡 What is Section 121?
Learn how this IRS rule helps homeowners exclude up to $250K (single) or $500K (married) in capital gains from taxes whe...

Originally recorded February 7th as part of our quarterly webinar series.

2024 was a year to remember for the markets, with major indices like the S&P 500 achieving another 20%+ performance year, optimism surrounding AI driving innovation, and a soft-landing narrative shaping economic resilience.

As we enter 2025, questions remain: Can the momentum continue? What impact will shifting monetary policy, emerging risks, and...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein tackle everything you need to know about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — from eligibility and benefits to long-term planning strategies.

Episode Highlights:

💡 HSA Basics: Understand who qualifies for an HSA and how high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) work.

📈 Triple Tax Benefits Explained: Discover how HSAs offe...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Ryan Edwards, a finance and economics student who's already leaving his mark in the industry.

This episode is a must-listen for students, parents and anyone looking to get ahead in finance - or help their children gain career momentum.
 
Episode Highlights:

🎓 Networking as a Student: Ryan shares how he co...

In this very special crossover episode, Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong welcome Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein - hosts of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan series - to discuss key topics from the Financial Planning Committee's Year-End Newsletter.

 Episode Highlights:
 
🥧 Asset Allocation Strategies – Striking the right balance between growth and preservation as you approach retirement.

🎁 T...

Recorded Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

U.S. equity markets saw encouraging gains in Q3, with all major indices posting positive returns. The summer ended with the Federal reserve embarking on their first rate cut since 2019 which caused some shifts in the market. Leadership, previously concentrated in large-cap tech, has shifted, allowing other sectors and asset classes to shine.
 
Tune in as we discuss the shifts i...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell tackle one of the most confusing yet essential retirement planning topics: the new inherited IRA rules. They break down the changes brought by the SECURE Act and the impact on beneficiaries. 

Episode Highlights:

 ⏰ The 10-Year Rule Explained: Unpack the complexities of the 10-year withdrawal rule and how it affects non-el...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong welcome Duane Liedl, Director of Fixed Income at BlackRock for an in-depth look at today's bond market.
 
Episode Highlights:

📊 Navigating Bond Market Volatility: Understand recent market challenges and how bonds are regaining their place as portfolio stabilizers.

🏦 Tax-Efficient Investing with Municipals: Explore how...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell dive into one of the most critical topics for retirees - determining a sustainable withdrawal rate. Joined by special guest Ann Schnorrenberg, CFP®, PhD, the discussion unpacks the history, assumptions, and modern-day relevance of the widely-known “4% rule” for retirement withdrawals.

Episode Highlights:

📊 The ...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, hosts Austin Hagaman and Adam Armstrong sit down with Jonah Gruda, a tax expert and Partner at Withum, to explore the intricate world of tax planning in these uncertain times. As we approach significant legislative shifts, understanding the landscape is crucial for anyone serious about financial planning.

Episode Highlights:

💼 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Overview: Jonah provides a deep div...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth's According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell welcome Monica Jalife to discuss the ins and outs of owning a second home. Whether it's a lakeside retreat or a cozy cabin in the woods, there are many factors to consider before making your decision.

Episode Highlights: 

🏡 Understanding the Purpose: Discover the different purposes a second home can serv...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, Adam Armstrong and Austin Hagaman welcome Michael Townsend, Managing Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at Charles Schwab. Tune in and hear from the "Wizard of Washington" -  and see how current and potential political developments might impact the markets and your investments.
 
Episode Highlights:

 🗳️ Election Insights: Explore the current politica...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth - According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein, CFP®, and Tom Farrell, CFP®, dive into recent changes in 529 plans and how these updates can benefit you and your family.
 
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529 Plan Updates: Discover the latest changes to 529 plans, including the new "grandparent 529 loophole" and how it affects financial aid eligibility.
 
Financial Aid Simp...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, Adam Armstrong and Austin Hagaman welcome Carmine D'Avino as he dives into the world of investment 'isms, market trends and strategies for long-term success.


Episode Highlights:
 Addressing Market 'Isms: Explore the origins and impact of well-known market 'isms like "Sell in May and Go Away" and how they might negatively influence investment ...

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth - According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell delve into the upcoming expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and its potential impact on your finances.

For this timely topic, Tom & Kate welcome special guest Lynn Mucenski-Keck, a tax principal with over 20 years of experience in the accounting profession. Lynn serves as the national lead on federal tax p...