Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway shares the shocking story of a financial expert who lost his life savings in a scam. Despite helping others safeguard their finances, he became a victim himself, losing over $200,000 and now facing an additional $30,000 in taxes. This tragic tale highlights the importance of vigilance, no matter how knowledgeable you are. A.B. Ridgeway explores how these scams unfold and provides crucial advice on how...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway discusses the future of Social Security and Medicare, emphasizing the challenges these programs face in the coming years. He provides a detailed breakdown of how potential cuts and insolvency could impact retirees by 2035 and why it’s essential for individuals to create their own financial plans. A.B. urges listeners not to rely solely on government programs for retirement and instead take personal re...

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway discusses a heartbreaking story of a young couple who lost $775,000 in a wire fraud scam while purchasing their dream home. He shares critical advice on how to protect yourself during large financial transactions and the importance of having the right financial team to safeguard your assets.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Verify All Wire Transfers Directly: Always con...

In this eye-opening episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, host A.B. Ridgeway dives into the rising epidemic of romance scams. This episode highlights the heartbreaking story of a Hilton Head woman who lost over $1 million to an online scammer. A.B. explores how scammers prey on emotional vulnerability, the tactics they use to build trust, and the devastating financial impact they leave behind. Don't miss the essent...

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, host A.B. Ridgeway dives into the growing threat of scam texts from unknown numbers and how they can jeopardize your phone, data, and financial security. From fake "hello" messages to malware-filled photos, these scams are designed to lure you into a trap. Tune in to learn how to avoid falling victim and keep your personal information safe.

Key Takeaways:

1. Beware of Un...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway dives into a concerning statistic: nearly half of Gen Xers believe they’ll need a miracle to retire. With rising living costs and dwindling pensions, many are feeling unprepared for the future. A.B. breaks down the factors behind this financial crisis, explores how retirement planning has shifted over the years, and provides tips for how Gen Xers can take control of their financial future.

3 Key Takeaw...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway discusses the concerning trend of more Americans withdrawing funds from their 401k and retirement accounts to cover day-to-day expenses and emergencies. Through real-life stories, A.B. highlights the financial risks of early withdrawals and emphasizes the importance of building a solid emergency fund and proper financial planning to avoid raiding retirement savings prematurely.

Key Takeaways:

1. Rising...

In this insightful episode, A.B. Ridgeway dives into a discussion about the real reason people are broke, drawing inspiration from Jade Warshaw’s appearance on the Dave Ramsey Show. Jade shares her journey to paying off $460,000 of debt in eight years and debunks common financial myths, such as the notion that "money isn't a math problem." Together, we explore the emotional and psychological barriers that keep people in debt and wh...

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway discusses practical strategies to lower car insurance costs, especially as rates continue to rise across the U.S. He dives into some overlooked tips like defensive driving courses and annual policy reviews that could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Key Takeaways:

1. Review Your Policy Annually: Don’t stick with the same insurance company out of conv...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®️ professional and host of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, dives into debt management, one of the four pillars of Christian finance. He shares practical advice on how to navigate credit card debt, avoid financial quicksand, and improve your credit score to regain control of your financial future. With the help of expert advice and listener stories, A.B. ...

In this sobering episode, A.B. Ridgeway shares the heart-wrenching story of an 84-year-old widow who was deceived into losing $98,000 to a sophisticated romance scam. As Valentine's Day approaches, it’s a timely reminder to remain vigilant about online love interests and protect your loved ones from becoming victims of financial and emotional exploitation. A.B. breaks down the key steps scammers use to manipulate their victims and ...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway discusses a common question: "Should I stop investing to get out of debt?" Using insights from personal experience and financial expert Dave Ramsey, the episode explores how to balance debt repayment and investing. Is it better to focus on one or both? Tune in to find out the best strategies to achieve financial freedom.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Finding Balance Between Debt and Investing: It is possible to ...

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway dives into the common dilemma of what to do with a 401k when you leave a job. With the help of a breakdown of advice from financial expert Dave Ramsey, A.B. Ridgeway explains the difference between direct and indirect rollovers, the importance of seeking professional advice, and how to avoid costly mistakes when transferring retirement funds.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway tackles a critical yet often misunderstood financial decision—whether rolling over your 401k to an IRA is always the best move. While conventional wisdom suggests rolling over your retirement savings to gain more control and flexibility, recent studies reveal that this might not be the optimal choice for everyone. A.B. dissects the pros and cons, highlighting the role of fees, institutional advantages...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway reviews a popular video that attempts to explain IRAs in less than five minutes. He provides deeper insights into the intricacies of IRAs, comparing traditional and Roth IRAs, and highlighting key details that can affect your retirement savings strategy.

Key Takeaways:

1. IRA vs. Savings Accounts: IRAs offer a higher potential return through market investments, compared to the low interest rates of tra...

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, host A.B. Ridgeway tackles a popular question: Is a 401k better than a pension? Drawing insights from financial expert Dave Ramsey, A.B. delves into the differences between 401k plans and pensions, highlighting the pros and cons of both. From control over investments to portability, A.B. emphasizes the importance of taking charge of your financial future.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway discusses the critical question, "How much do I need for retirement?" He explores the challenges that older Americans face in saving enough to live comfortably after they retire. With insights on how inflation, political shifts, and other financial pressures impact retirement savings, A.B. provides practical advice on how to navigate these uncertain times....

In this eye-opening episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, host A.B. Ridgeway unpacks the heart-wrenching story of William and Ave Bortz, a retired couple who lost nearly $700,000 to a sophisticated online scam. From a fake Amazon email to relentless calls from scammers, A.B. explains how this scam unfolded and the important lessons we can learn to safeguard our finances. He also delves into the accountability banks...

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway delves into the heart-wrenching story of a 76-year-old man who lost his entire savings—nearly $800,000—after falling victim to a sophisticated scam. From living comfortably to homelessness, this episode explores the dangers of financial scams and the essential steps we can take to protect ourselves from financial ruin. Learn how to safeguard your assets, avoid common mistakes with 401k rollovers, and ...