The Essential Podcast

If you've felt confused or anxious as a result of recent events, here is an action plan you can follow to regain focus, boost confidence and provide a much needed sense of control.  

Life as we all knew it came to an abrupt halt.  As things begin to return to "normal", consider the perspective to view this "Great Reset" as an opportunity to live a more intentional and essential life.

The CAREs Act has provided some options to access 401k and other retirement accounts in the face of historic unemployment and the COVID-19 pandemic.  What are the details and what should you do?

Risk Management is Essential, and with 1 in 15 consumers falling victim to Identity Theft annually, we should be intentional to minimize our vulnerability.  Here are some helpful steps you can take now.

Our brains are great at thinking and problem solving - not remembering.  That's why we find ourselves often feeling forgetful and frustrated, overlooking mundane, essential or even lifesaving details.  Want to know the solution?  We review a book that has the answer.

Here is what you need to know about the COVID-19 stimulus bill.  We discuss key provisions of the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act.

On this special edition of The Essential Podcast, we cover what you need to know about the stock market moves and the recent panic.  Listen in for our perspective.

We take a time out to share and discuss some of our favorite quotes and clichés.  Have a listen and if you have a favorite, we'd love to hear it.

Here are 4 key financial factors you can't control.  Be aware of them, and then let them go.

Retire (well) before 50 and live your best life!

This is the message of the FIRE Movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), which is drawing interest worldwide.  Is it really possible to retire so young?  Or is this radical idea, also radically unrealistic?  Listen in for our perspective.

The New Year can be a great time to reset, establish new goals and create good habits. Are you still on track?  Recent research indicates that only 8% of New Years Resolutions stick.  Here are 3 keys to help you stay focused or get back on track.

Everyone needs clear retirement goals, but it’s just as important to focus on the actions that will get you to those goals.  Here are 4 Essential Factors you CAN control to help you move towards those retirement savings and planning goals.

Here are 5 easy pro tips to take better photos with your phone from a very special guest, who happens to be a Professional Photographer.

Sleep.  It's awesome.  We discuss some little known benefits and give 6 tips to help you cultivate this hidden super power.

Be Intentionally Thankful this year with our "W5" goal setting process. In addition to enjoying family time, relaxing travel and great food, use this season to reflect and prepare for 2020.

Recreation is Essential.  Prioritize and cultivate "play" for your family and friends with these suggestions.

No matter your current season of life, we should all be striving to clarify our purpose.  Here are 3 keys to help unlock and identify yours.

Kids vacationing with grandparents can be a win-win.  The benefits are far reaching for everyone involved, and on this episode, we discuss some tips for making it a little easier.

Ever wonder what we do all day?  Hint: It's not like the movies.

We reveal a little of the day to day at Barko Financial and discuss the most difficult and most rewarding aspects of being an Advisor.