Money Smart Guy Matthew Sapaula to Serve as Chicago Financial Coach on MSN Money Personal Finance Reality Show

Big news everyone! I’ve been so excited to share this with you for months, but I have been under “embargo”.  (A new PR word I learned that means: shut your mouth until the people who write the big checks, let you).

Throughout the summer, I have been in production filming a new online reality show around the areas of personal finance, saving and investing.  Oh mang!  I have signed on for three seasons for The Invested Life which airs online at MSN Money beginning October 2010 to June 2011, sponsored by TD Ameritrade.  They have taken seven independent financial experts from seven cities: Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland, New York and of course, Chicago!  Our role is to serve as a financial coach to a client assigned to us during each season.  You’ll be able to watch and learn from both perspectives, a financial coach and a client, how the process of dealing with personal financial issues are managed.

Why an online reality show about money?  It’s a unique way to reach and help investors when they need it the most.  Many people feel financially confused, isolated and somewhat powerless.  This will help more people take control of their financial futures.  It is relatable, educational, innovative and real time!

… Continue Reading

Client of Matthew Sapaula Inc. Reveals the Truth About Mother’s Experience on Real Estate on Radio Show

Podcast: Download (Duration: 13:58 — 12.8MB)

Although I do not take any personal clients any longer, (listeners are referred to our Money Smart Network of Preferred Financial Professionals) I still conduct annual reviews with existing clients.  It’s my responsibility.  I recently sat down with a client, who is a widow, and her son to review what our Money Smart Success Formula has produced over the past four years.

… Continue Reading

What People Get From Our Financial Talk Radio Show – a Listener Tells All

Podcast: Download (Duration: 17:08 — 15.7MB)

After two years doing a financial talk radio show in Chicago, people have frequently asked, “Are people really getting ahead?”  I had someone on my Facebook community page even say, “Did the smart money guy say to cash out of investments prior to the last crash??  Most didn’t. I’d like to know if he did. If he did he is a hero.  But most never risked telling their listeners to SELL SELL SELL.  The problem is sponsorship. I guess you want to get a money guy who has none investment sponsors. That might be the test.”

… Continue Reading

Increasing Retirement Age to Get Your Social Security Benefits

Podcast: Download (Duration: 6:44 — 12.4MB)

Since Americans are living much longer than previous generations, that means Medicare and Social Security will be supporting retirees for many years more than ever anticipated when the programs were created. When FDR (President Franklin Delano Roosevelt) created Social Security, the retirement age was set at 65, but the average life span was 62. Research shows that longevity for men and women has increased by between 35-40% since 1940. That increase translates into higher costs, rising 38% since the beginning of the program. The left argues there is no real change in longevity. Should the retirement age be raised?

… Continue Reading

VIDEO: Stop Drinking the Company 401k Plan Kool-Aid

The 401(k) dilemma, dropping account values and resistance to opening statements piling up lead many to further financial confusion and isolation.  Compound this with job layoffs and increasing unemployment rate have caused many financial homes to crumble.  Here are my notes and thoughts from this segment on CBS’s 60 Minutes.

… Continue Reading

What You May Not Be Getting From Bank Financial Advisors

Finding a financial advisor that you respect and trust is not always an easy task. And considering the fact that you are entrusting this advisor with your hard-earned dough, it is not a decision you want to make in a hurry or without all the information. In order to ease the search many people turn to the financial institutions that they already have a relationship with and secure a financial advisor within their bank.

… Continue Reading

Matthew Sapaula Provides Financial Tips for Military Personnel on SCORE TV

Whether you are in the military now, plan to be in the future, or have recently left you need to be on top of your game regarding future financial plans and taking full advantage of all your veteran’s benefits. Matthew Sapaula recently met with SCORE Chicago to discuss some strategic financial planning moves for those who are in the military and some tips for fully utilizing benefits once you are out.

… Continue Reading

#1 Financial Advisor Joel Wymer on Money Smart Radio

Every once in a while you get to meet someone who resonates and echoes your passion, core values and methodologies.  In the field of personal finance counselors, financial advisors and financial planners that is very tough to find.  Then comes along Joel Wymer from Akron, Ohio who has recently been voted by the Beacon Journal as the #1 financial advisor in his community.  We were fortunate enough to catch Joel at his office for an interview during our financial talk show’s podcast, Money Smart Radio…

… Continue Reading

You Don’t Need More Money – You Need Better Tools

Will a raise, a second jog or overtime grant you financial freedom? No.  Only you can create your own financial independence.

Last week, I heard an incredible interview on NPR with Peter Buffet and Renee Montagne.  Peter shared his insight on the inheritance he did and did not receive from his father Warren Buffet (one of the wealthiest men in the world).

Peter talks about his appreciation for the support and encouragement he received from both his parents as he was growing up.  Warren Buffet has stated publicly that his children will not inherit his wealth.  In fact, when Peter was 19, he was given an inheritance of $90,000 and nothing thereafter. … Continue Reading

Self-Directed IRAs: Investing in Real Estate with Your IRA and 401(k)

Did you realize a 30% loss in one year, requires a 43% rate of return the next, just to get your account value back to where you started?  If I told you that you don’t have to pass up all the opportunities in real estate simply because you haven’t got the cash or credit, what would you say?  If I told you about an untapped asset within your IRA and previous 401(k) plan that can be used to invest in real estate, would you believe me?  This video with Mick Hersh of Security Trust Company will help your understand the power of your IRA and overcome misconceptions that keep you from looking at investing in real estate.

… Continue Reading