http://www.moneysmartradio.com/category/radio-show/itunes-podcasts/ Chicago-based financial radio talk show host Matthew Sapaula crusades a message to help people transform the way people feel, think and manage their money! When areas of financial planning, finding money for college and starting your own business start to overwhelm you, tune in to listen to the latest tips, guest financial and business experts and discover answers to community questions. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:38:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Chicago-based financial radio talk show host Matthew Sapaula crusades a message to help people transform the way people feel, think and manage their money! When areas of financial planning, finding money for college and starting your own business start to overwhelm you, tune in to listen to the latest tips, guest financial and business experts and discover answers to community questions. Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula mgs@moneysmartradio.com mgs@moneysmartradio.com (Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula) Money Smart Radio 2010 - All Rights Reserved Chicago-based financial radio talk show host Matthew Sapaula crusades a message to help people transform the way people feel, think and manage their money! When areas of financial planning, finding money for college and starting your own business star... http://www.moneysmartradio.com/images/iTunesMSRlogo-phone.jpg http://www.moneysmartradio.com/category/radio-show/itunes-podcasts/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/29/how-to-build-a-tax-free-retirement-with-a-roth-ira-conversion/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/29/how-to-build-a-tax-free-retirement-with-a-roth-ira-conversion/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:18:20 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=2223 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/29/how-to-build-a-tax-free-retirement-with-a-roth-ira-conversion/feed/ 3 certified financial planner,Higher Income Taxes,Jeff Rose,Matthew Sapaula,Million Dollar Retirement Nest Egg,Never Running Out of Money,Retirement Income,Roth IRA,Roth IRA Conversion 2010,Tax-Free Retirement The year 2010 marks a decisive year in which IRA owners may take advantage of a tax-planning opportunity yet unseen. Every time a "change in the tax code" occurs, I ask myself, "What is the IRS and our government trying to get us to do? The year 2010 marks a decisive year in which IRA owners may take advantage of a tax-planning opportunity yet unseen.  Every time a "change in the tax code" occurs, I ask myself, "What is the IRS and our government trying to get us to do?  What is their incentive to give US an incentive?"  Well, for one, our government both federal and state have major cash flow issues.  Instead of waiting until you are 59 1/2 years old to collect income taxes from your IRA or 401(k) retirement plan as you withdraw cash for retirement income...they'd like your money now within the next couple years.  A Roth IRA conversion may just be what the doctor ordered so you can take your tax-deferred retirement savings and pay taxes NOW, so you won't have to later.  In other words, bite the tax-bullet now so later on, the money you take out from a Roth IRA never has to pass through Uncle Sam's hands.  Before I go any further, did you realize that you actually have a "partnership" with your IRA or 401(k) retirement plan, with Uncle Sam?  As if trying to avoid losses from the stock market wasn't enough, Uncle Sam (and Cousin Illinois, Florida or California...yeah, you get my point) are salivating at the chance to take a percentage of your cash when you start making retirement plan withdrawals.  They can't wait to get your money in the form of federal and state income taxation.  Would you like to "buy-out" this partnership now so you can keep all your profits from your money, to yourself and your family? Speaking of income taxes...with health-care reform before us, trillion-dollar stimulus and bailout plans that we eventually have to pay back as a country, where do you think income taxes in the future will be?  Lower, the same, or higher?  Ding, ding, ding, ding...our listeners, readers and attendees to our workshops ALL raise their hands to "HIGHER". Jeff Rose(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/icons/icon_offline.png) is a Registered Representative with and Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. If so, they why would you want your money "tax-deferred" so that your money will be potentially taxed higher later in your life when you need your money the most? I had the chance of interviewing Jeff Rose, Certified Financial Planner (http://www.goodfinancialcents.com) (CFP) on the Money Smart Radio show recently.  Please download the full interview podcast for free and do us all a favor.  Please share this post with friends and family who may own an IRA or 401(k) retirement plan if you think it may help them create a tax-free retirement income. (Pssst! Connect with Jeff Rose, CFP (http://www.twitter.com/jeffrosecfp) on Twitter too!) Consider this scenario: If you had saved up a million dollars ($1,000,000) and you needed to live on $100,000 of income per year, you may think in your mind that just as long as you get a 10% return each year, you will never have to tap into your principle (of $1,000,000) since you would be living off interest income (of 10%) from your portfolio each year.  Is this what most people have planned, at least in their head? $1,000,000 x 10% interest = $100,000 income Right? But did you calculate federal and state income taxes into this equation, yet? In this example...(the tax calculation is generalized but gets us in the ballpark, so before Mr. Smarty Pants jumps all over me, I'm just illustrating the big picture...so please consult with your tax advisor before you do anything) $100,000 of income - 33% federal/state income taxes (of course, this is an assumption of you being in a higher federal/state income tax bracket...of course check with your tax advisor) = $67,000 net income And since you paid off your mortgage (which is another subject I disagree with) and unless your name is Abraham and wife's name is Sarah...you are not planning to have no more children in your 70s, you have very little income tax deductions anymore.  You have just found yourself, Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no 12:42 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/24/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-but-dont-think-you-have-the-cash-or-credit/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/24/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-but-dont-think-you-have-the-cash-or-credit/#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:30:28 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=2191 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/24/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-but-dont-think-you-have-the-cash-or-credit/feed/ 2 401(k)in-service distrubitions,401k rollover,Cash for Real Estate Investing,Real Estate on Radio,Self-directed IRAs,WLS 890 AM Most people I have spoke to last week are from emails, Facebook comments and Twitter replies that commonly say, "I hear you! I'd like to look into investing in real estate and would like to start...but I don't have the credit score OR the cash! Most people I have spoken to last week are from emails, Facebook comments (http://www.facebook.com/moneysmartradio) and Twitter replies (http://twitter.com/matthewsapaula) that commonly say, "I hear you! I'd like to look into investing in real estate and would like to start...but I don't have the credit score OR the cash!"  I understand you, so here is a question I pose right back.  What if I told you that you may have unused, sometimes-forgotten-and-overlooked set of assets that can be repositioned to help you get in the real estate game? Would you like to know what it is or where to find it?  This podcast from last weekend's Real Estate on Radio Show on WLS 890 AM will explore your alternatives. In the meantime, look at your retirement plan.  More specifically, look at the cash built-up, or leftover, within your IRA and company 401(k) plan.  Without getting into too much detail about how to get your money from your 401(k) to invest in real estate, you would have to conduct an "in-service distribution". In other words, the plan documents of your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan may allow you to take control of your 401(k) contributions, vested company match and transfer it within your own self-directed IRA. If that is too much a hassle and difficult to comprehend, how about looking at the 401(k) retirement plan(s) you may have left behind from a previous job(s) and have yet to roll it over into an IRA. Often times, people have looked upon this retirement plan as another form of emergency fund in order to get them through tough times.  You, too, may have heard people around you looking to borrow from their 401(k) plan to meet immediate needs...unfortunately. Others are looking to recoup the losses they have experienced from this recession.  However, being overly defensive and keeping your cash inside these accounts is not your only option. "But my investment advisor, financial planner or 401(k) consultant on the help line told me to sit tight and keep my cash there...it's for the long haul", some people say. Sure, convenient advice for those in their early 20s-40s.  But what about those with kids in college or looking to retire soon? "I have properly diversified my account into different asset allocations that is supposed to reduce further risk!", others say with a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Yes, but is it all just diversified with the same general investment type?  Is it just a different stock, bond or mutual fund this time around?  Diversification is more than just reinvesting your money in a different way within the same classification of savings and investments. On the show, I inform homeowners and real estate investors about the sad truth from people who entrust their total confidence for their retirement through their company retirement 401(k) plans.  A 401(k) plan is NOT your retirement plan, it is only part of the complete big picture, a component such as your Social Security, pension, personal savings and business ownership, put together. Don't be overwhelmed...increasing your financial literacy and education is a process.  Once you become aware of your alternatives and options, it is easier for you to act and do something about it. Top Financial Interviews CD Vol I: Please consider purchasing this CD (http://www.moneysmartradio.com/products-page/audio-cd/top-interviews-vol-1/) which is a compilation of the top financial interviews after meeting with over 120 financial planning and business experts. Proceeds of this CD not only help build your financial library but enables us to do charitable outreach in our community.  Here's an example - CLICK HERE (http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/01/01/building-true-wealth-throughout-the-new-year/) MONEY SMART COACHING: We are able to direct you to a wealth-building coach to take advantage of a free, complimentary 30 minute coaching session through our three-step, MoneyN'Motion process  . Whether you want to get out of debt, Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no 13:07 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/07/financial-planning-busts-and-the-lack-of-financial-literacy-in-america/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/07/financial-planning-busts-and-the-lack-of-financial-literacy-in-america/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:49:26 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=2130 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/03/07/financial-planning-busts-and-the-lack-of-financial-literacy-in-america/feed/ 2 building wealth,Financial Literacy,financial myth buster,financial talk radio show,home equity,Joel Wymer,Middle-class Financial Strategies,MoneyXLive,Sending Extra Mortgage Payments,Vince Shorb,wealth creation Podcast of financial talk show Money Smart Radio discussing modern financial strategies, using your mortgage to build wealth and increasing your financial literacy in uncertain times. 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 (../2010/03/05/3-things-popcorn-can-teach-us-about-managing-our-mortgage/). * How to pick yourself back up again after losing everything * Building financial awareness for young adults and building to a lifestyle they want * Why do we see a lot of "rich" people but not very  many "wealthy" people * How to increase our financial literacy and awareness to climb out of the recession with Vince Shorb, creator of the MoneyXLive events (http://moneyxlive.com/) Discuss personal finance, planning for your financial future with other listeners by dropping your comments in the section below. Top Financial Interviews CD Vol I: Please consider purchasing this CD (../products-page/audio-cd/top-interviews-vol-1/) which is a compilation of the top financial interviews after meeting with over 120 financial planning and business experts. Proceeds of this CD not only help build your financial library but enables us to do charitable outreach in our community.  Here's an example - CLICK HERE (../2010/01/01/building-true-wealth-throughout-the-new-year/) MONEY SMART COACHING: We are able to direct you to a wealth-building coach to take advantage of a free, complimentary 30 minute coaching session through our three-step, MoneyN'Motion process  . Whether you want to get out of debt, make sure you are on track with your financial decisions, explore ways to take advantage of real estate investing or just need a little help along the way, we'd love to work with you. We are able to coaching you along screen sharing technology during our call which makes it just like we were sitting there next to you with our computer. If you are interested, email us at info@moneysmartradio.com (mailto:info@moneysmartradio.com) or call us at 708.686.2000. Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no 46:00 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/07/chris-searcy-how-an-indie-artist-turned-his-passion-into-profit/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/07/chris-searcy-how-an-indie-artist-turned-his-passion-into-profit/#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:40:29 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1961 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/07/chris-searcy-how-an-indie-artist-turned-his-passion-into-profit/feed/ 3 Addicted,Chris Searcy,Entreprenuer mindset,Indie artist,Matthew Sapaula,money smart radio,Passion into Profit 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, 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 (http://chrissearcy.com/), 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. In the words of Michael Gerber's ground-breaking book for all entrepreneurs, The E-Myth, every small business owner or in this case, indie (independent) artist wears three hats: Manager - this hat forces one to be pragmatic.  Here the manager plans, creates order and predictability. Technician - this hat is the doer and loves to tinker. A technician lives in the present, is happy and can only do one thing at a time. Entrepreneur - this hat is the visionary and the dreamer. An entrepreneur lives in the future and happiest when left free for "what-if" and "if-when" scenarios. No better example than this with Chris Searcy, who at 24 years old, has found a way to tie these things together.  Later this week, VH-1 is flying him out to New York to be part of something special...listen to the audio podcast for the details. Do you need a song that will lift you up and get you going?  I suggest you download his song, "Addicted", into your iPod or mp3 player (http://www.amazon.com/Addicted/dp/B002I0IUUM) and take his energy along with you.  Drop your comments below and tell Chris what you think of his song and help spread the word! Stay encouraged everyone to find your entrepreneurial passion, regardless of your circumstances.  Consider this quote by Michael Gerber, "Your business is nothing more than a distinct reflection of who you are." P.S. To watch the music video Chris Searcy's Addicted AND to get my notes on Four Ways to Reach Your Dreams, from a world-renowned speaker and millionaire-maker Pat Mesiti, click HERE (http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/01/city-church-notes-four-ways-to-reach-your-dreams-with-pat-mesiti-and-chris-searcy-performs-addicted/). Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no 14:21 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/04/podcast-why-getting-a-large-tax-refund-puts-the-joke-on-you/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/04/podcast-why-getting-a-large-tax-refund-puts-the-joke-on-you/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:14:29 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1934 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/02/04/podcast-why-getting-a-large-tax-refund-puts-the-joke-on-you/feed/ 1 debt-free,dependents,federal income tax refund,financial planning,getting a large tax refund,retirement planning,tax planning,W-4 exemptions,Wealth Building 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, 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. Some may even pay-off their Christmas debt. Either way, Uncle Sam loves you for it giving him the opportunity to give you a large federal income tax return. Why?  Over the last 12 months, Uncle Sam has been able to use this money to stimulate the American government (notice not economy) at the cost of your own personal financial security and ability to build your own financial independence. Never thought about your income tax refund at the end of the year, as part of your overall financial plan in this way? Would you like to put your own money in your own pocket throughout the rest of this new year, for a change? Time to rethink things?  I hope so!  Imagine what you could do by savings and investing an additional $100-500/mth that was otherwise OVERPAYING Uncle Sam in federal income taxes, from your paycheck, throughout the year?  How would you feel if you took control of this opportunity, rather than the government? You can either have your OWN plan or the government plan...your choice! As part of this financial talk radio show and podcast, we will also have Dennis Johnson, Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  He deals with this issue, of intaxification (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intaxification.asp) (yes - this is a slang word). Around this time every year he has helped educate his tax preparation and accounting clients on how to have a better financial plan, as it relates to their income tax refund, throughout the year. Dennis also wrote the book, "Do This: Simple Actions To Eliminate Debt and Create Wealth".  He was also on our show last year among with other great financial experts (http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/05/11/money-smart-radio-weekly-summary-2/)! Do you find yourself with a large income tax refund at the end of every year?  How have you used this in the past?  Would you like to know HOW to redirect this extra money you've been sending to Uncle Sam to your own tax-free retirement plan? Plus, we'd love to hear your comments by posting them below.  We will read them on the next radio show and podcast so we can all learn together...you're not alone! If I do end up reading your comments on-air or during a podcast, please make sure you leave us your website and/or email so we can send you a gift or refer to you to a Money Smart Coach in your area. Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/01/18/podcast-stupid-money-mistakes-learned-by-a-nuclear-scientist-and-how-to-avoid-them/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/01/18/podcast-stupid-money-mistakes-learned-by-a-nuclear-scientist-and-how-to-avoid-them/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:42:00 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1846 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2010/01/18/podcast-stupid-money-mistakes-learned-by-a-nuclear-scientist-and-how-to-avoid-them/feed/ 2 Chicago financial radio talk show,College Graduates,financial independence,financial planning,Joe Templin,Lost Decade of Stocks,Matthew Sapaula,Money Mistakes,money smart radio,Top Tax Plays,Wealth Building 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, 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. (http://www.moneysmartradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Financial-Mistakes-of-College-Grads-199x300.jpg) In fact, the front page of the Money and Business section of the Chicago Tribune reported the "Lost Decade" of stock (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tc-biz-stocks-0101-jan01,0,6842249.story)s, 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 (Top Ten Overlooked Tax Plays For The Individual) and Financial Mistakes of New College Grads (http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/financial-mistakes-of-new-college-grads-the-seminar/5398218v). By the way, he made my Top Ten Money Smart Books of 2009 (http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/ndigo-moneysmart-guy/2009/12/top-10-money-smart-books-of-2009.html). Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula no http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-2009-regardless-of-our-situation-give-thanks/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-2009-regardless-of-our-situation-give-thanks/#comments Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:51:48 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1617 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-2009-regardless-of-our-situation-give-thanks/feed/ 1 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/17/personal-finance-is-it-that-important-to-save-my-money-now/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/17/personal-finance-is-it-that-important-to-save-my-money-now/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:50:56 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1492 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/17/personal-finance-is-it-that-important-to-save-my-money-now/feed/ 2 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/06/pre-pay-your-mortgage-early-a-wise-thing-to-do/ http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/06/pre-pay-your-mortgage-early-a-wise-thing-to-do/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:43:22 +0000 Money Smart Guy - Matthew Sapaula http://www.moneysmartradio.com/?p=1433 http://www.moneysmartradio.com/2009/11/06/pre-pay-your-mortgage-early-a-wise-thing-to-do/feed/ 0