Critical Thinking Required

Hosted by LBW Wealth Management

Business EducationExplicit

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Episodes

171

Latest episode

Nov 2024

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Critical Thinking Required, hosted by LBW Wealth Management. Our goal is simple: we want to challenge you to think differently about finance and business. Join us, and start the journey today!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 1, 2024Episode 367 min

Is Tax-Loss Harvesting Right For You?

During this quarter of the year, one of the most popular questions is: I heard about tax-loss harvesting from my friends/CPA/family. Should I do it? Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy investors use to offset capital gains by intentionally selling investments in taxable accounts at a loss. While it may be useful for a complex taxable account, it doesn’t necessarily make sense for someone with smaller investable assets. It may even hurt the long-term performance if executed improperly. In this episode, Nathaniel discussed some misconceptions of this strategy, the pros, and the cons. Stay tuned.

September 13, 2024Episode 3513 min

A 1031 Exchange for Real Estate Investments: Is it Right for You?

When it comes to private investments, guess what topic we get asked the most? Yes, real estate! Today, we will discuss a strategy called the “1031 exchange”. The biggest advantage is the tax deferral function. You can keep rolling from one real estate investment to the next (with some nuances.) And if you do it right, it can potentially eliminate capital gains taxes entirely for your heirs. But as with all financial tools, it’s not for everyone. A 1031 exchange also has some strict rules and significant drawbacks. Is it right for you?

September 6, 2024Episode 3410 min

How to pick a Financial Advisor? Part 1 - Fiduciary Duty

This is our “How to pick a financial advisor” mini-series. First, did you know that only roughly 15% of financial advisors are “fiduciaries”, meaning we are legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of our clients. The rest are operating their business under the “suitability rule”, meaning they don’t need to do what’s best for you, as long as it isn’t grossly inappropriate. Some brokers may say that they “act” as fiduciaries, but that may hold no legal validity. Dan discusses why it’s important to find a true fiduciary advisor, and how you can verify this information.

August 23, 2024Episode 3310 min

Investment Champagne Tower - Where To Invest Your Money?

Today, we’re breaking down the order to invest your money. We hear this question from our clients all the time: my friends are investing in this private deal, should I do something like that as well? Well, hold the horses a bit, because before we go all the way to the “private deal”, there are some other basic (maybe not as sexy as a private deal), but more important glasses we need to fill first. Let me introduce you to our Investment Champagne Tower!

July 19, 2024Episode 326 min

Which is More Important: Risk Mitigation or Return Maximization?

Investing can often feel like walking a tightrope. Balancing risk mitigation and return maximization is essential for any successful investment. Should you take a high risk in the hope of a high return? Or should you aim for safety and expect less? In today’s volatile market, which one should take priority?

June 28, 2024Episode 317 min

How Do High Interest Rates Impact Your Daily Life

Nathaniel talked about how high interest rates impact your investments previously. In this episode, Tim discusses how interest rates impact daily financial planning, from mortgages, car loans, and credit cards, to savings and budgeting. Tim said it so well: the point of planning is positioning. It allows you to put yourself in a good position to take advantage when an opportunity presents itself!

June 14, 2024Episode 305 min

How Do High Interest Rates Impact Your Investments?

As you may have already heard, the Federal Reserve announced that it plans to hold interest rates steady amid high inflation, and forecasted just one cut in 2024 instead of three to six. In this episode, Nathaniel discussed what that means for your investments. And why did the market keep going up in a high-interest rate environment when in theory should have gone down?

May 24, 2024Episode 297 min

Retirement Investment Accounts for Self-Employed People

Today we're diving into a topic that's crucial for self-employed individuals: investment account types. Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, understanding these options can be a game-changer for your financial future and retirement. So, let's get started.

April 19, 2024Episode 285 min

2024 First Quarterly Commentary: Stock Markets, Inflation, And The US Election

This is our 2024 first-quarter commentary. Nathaniel discussed 3 main topics: US stock market performance, and why the S&P 500 doesn’t truly reflect the overall stock market; inflation, and how it impacts your investments; and lastly, the 2024 presidential election and how it may affect your financial planning.

August 25, 2023Episode 2733 min

Financial Planning For New Parents (and Parents-To-Be)

If you are planning to have a child, or you just had one, there are some financial preparations that you may find extremely beneficial in the long run:1. Cash Flow: Create a realistic budget and increase your emergency fund;2. Estate Planning: Pick your guardians, create a trust, or at least complete the free estate planning templates your state provides;3. Life Insurance: Now that you have (or are about to have) another person who depends on you, please review your insurance needs. It's a risk management tool, not an investment!4. Education Planning: Utilize 529 plans and other useful investment vehicles for your child;5. Tax Breaks: Talk to your advisor and CPA about child and dependent care credits, FSAs, and other tax benefits.