Financial Planning Busts and the Lack of Financial Literacy in America

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In this episode, I’ll discuss:

• Several financial strategies we are taught that have resulted in completely opposite, ugly truths
• Why following the crowd leads you to unfavorable financial results
• How to build home equity in your home again with a modern financial strategy in managing your mortgage
• How to view your mortgage as a wealth-building tool and not just something you hurry to payoff
• What banks don’t tell you when you are sending in extra mortgage payments
• Mortgage and financial planning discussion with Joel Wymer, voted #1 financial advisor in the Beacon Journal of Akron, Ohio.

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Chris Searcy: How an Indie Artist Turned His Passion into Profit

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Once a week, we profile an entrepreneur that has taken the courage to go way past their comfort zone to achieve the dream that God has placed solely in their heart.  This week’s featured entrepreneur is, Chris Searcy, an indie (independent) artist who produced his own hit song, Addicted.  By continuing to follow his passion, in the midst of a recession and amongst naysayers or “haters”, his song Addicted has climbed up the charts to #14 on the Gospel Music Channel’s top 20 songs.  His story and example is truly one that exemplifies an individual that has found their passion and found a way to turn it into profit.

What does an indie artist have to do with being an entrepreneur? Everything!  Without a major music label backing him, Chris not only has created his own hit song, but his own music label My Radio Records and is responsible for the management and marketing of his work.  Enjoy this video highlight of Chris Searcy and be sure to download the full interview below.

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PODCAST: Why Getting a Large Tax Refund Puts the Joke on You

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This is the time of the year where most people will head to their local H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax offices to get their income tax return.  Some who anticipate a large tax refund and will even pay extra, or a premium, in order to get their money now via an income tax loan. Others will consider a large income tax refund as their forced savings plan, their vacation money or get-me-a-new-flat-screen-TV-now, fund.

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PODCAST: Stupid Money Mistakes Learned by a Nuclear Scientist and How to Avoid Them

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I love when I meet guys who go against the grain and think outside the box.  Apparently for most, following the wisdom of traditional financial planning HAS NOT gotten people closer to financial freedom and independence.  In fact, the front page of the Money and Business section of the Chicago Tribune reported the “Lost Decade” of stocks, on New Year’s Day 2010.

I had a chance to interview Joe Templin on our Chicago-based financial talk radio show, who is a financial planner, with a background in nuclear engineering.  Yes, he is one of the smartest people you will ever come across and not only understands things from a 35,000 foot view, but can get into the details of subject matters long after it loses most people’s attention.

During this podcast, you’ll hear his personal story of how he went from nuclear engineer to financial planner, how he feels new college graduates future financial success and how to get ahead in a changing economy.

Joe Templin is the author of Top Tax Plays for the Individual and Financial Mistakes of New College Grads.

By the way, he made my Top Ten Money Smart Books of 2009.

Thanksgiving 2009: Regardless of our Situation – Give Thanks!

For some, 2009 may not have been the greatest year in many aspects of our lives.  In fact, the last couple years have been terrifying for some.  Yet in all this, I am glad we can take this holiday of Thanksgiving, to pause and reflect on what matters most. From the feedback we received from our listeners…it sure isn’t money!

This is a special short episode as we have asked you, the listeners and fans of Money Smart Radio, for what you are thankful for.  The answers we received via voicemail, email and on our Facebook fan page where amazing.  This is for you!

Click PLAY below:

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PODCAST on Personal Finance: Is it that important to save my money, now?

Probably one of the LAST things on people’s minds, especially heading into the the Holiday shopping season, is saving money.  However, this is a great time to take a step back and reflect on our money issues and personal finance habits.  Hopefully we have been able to see the ways we can stretch our dollars to make ends meet, balance our budget and checkbook and find out how our company 401(k) plan actually works.

The silver lining in this recession is that our nation has become more fiscally conscious and most are beginning to understand the errors of our “consumeristic” ways…hopefully.

If personal savings from each paycheck, commission, product sale or big payday was not on the top of your list of “to-dos” when you receive your cash, then hopefully this special, quick podcast may encourage you.

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Pre-pay Your Mortgage Early – a Wise Thing to Do?

What this recession is clearly telling us, is traditional retirement and financial planning methods have gone bad.  For instance, have you been told that the best way to become debt-free is to send additional payments to your mortgage company?

Millions of American homeowners have followed this path, then lost their jobs or faced a change in health, spent all their emergency cash and charged up credit cards…then lost their homes.

Click below to listen

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