Financial Choices Matter

How To Invest Like Politicians… And Should You?

Ever wondered how members of Congress manage to grow their wealth while in office? In this episode, Charles Scott dives into the controversial topic of investing like politicians. We explore the ETFs tracking political investments- NANC and KRUZ- and unpack the historical (and sometimes shady) relationship between lawmakers and insider trading.
We'll also touch on why everyday investors might find these political ETFs fascinating (or risky). As always, this discussion is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. But it will definitely make you think…
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:20 – What are NANC and KRUZ ETFs?
2:48 – Which political portfolio performs better? The numbers so far
3:45 – Insider trading was legal for Congress?!
4:58 – The STOCK Act: Why Congress had to make a rule to stop themselves
6:24 – Why political trading ETFs exist today
7:16 – The stress of watching stock prices every day
9:06 – What does "fiduciary" really mean?
12:49 – The reality of financial sales pitches & how to vet advisors
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Unpacking America’s Top Fears: Financial, Economic & More

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc dive into the top fears that have been gripping Americans for years according to a recent Chapman University study. From fears of illness to financial instability, they break down why these concerns persist and how modern technology might be amplifying our anxieties. More importantly, they discuss how fear often influences financial decisions and why taking control of what you can manage- your financial strategy- can help bring peace of mind.
Then, Charles tackles a listener's question about rebalancing investment portfolios. Is it really necessary, or is it just an arbitrary financial ritual? Tune in to hear Charles' unique take!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:06 – The fear of corrupt government officials
5:01 – Media and information overload
9:57 – The fear of running out of money
11:57 – Listener question on rebalancing
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

6 Retirement Blunders Millionaires AVOID

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 74% of retired Americans have enough money to live comfortably- and no, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get there. But there are some mistakes you can actively avoid to steer your financial future in the right direction. In today’s conversation, Charles and Marc will cover 6 retirement blunders that successful American millionaires tend to avoid.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:35 – Investing too conservatively in retirement
4:13 – Forgetting about healthcare costs
9:38 – Spending too much on housing
12:41– Sinking too much money into a car
15:17 – Funding grown children’s lifestyles
17:49 – Mismanaging RMDs
19:32 – Listener question
Click HERE to check out the article that inspired today's show
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

What Are The Odds of Needing Long-Term Care?

In today’s episode, we’re playing a little game of what are the odds? For example, do you know the chances of being in a house fire, or having your car totaled? What about the likelihood of being hospitalized? Listen in as we break down these probabilities and compare them to the chances of having a long-term care event.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:56 – The odds you might be in a house fire
2:59 – The odds your car is totaled
3:58 – The odds of being hospitalized
5:00 – The odds of having a long-term care event
7:05 – The changing landscape of long-term care insurance
9:45 – Listener question: 401(k) income projections
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Why You Need To Do An End Of The Year Insurance Review

As we wrap up the whirlwind that was 2024, many of you at home may be reflecting on the past year- both personally and as a whole. While you’re in that reflective mindset, it’s the perfect time to ask: Are your insurance policies still meeting your needs?
Join Charles as he explains the importance of an end-of-year insurance review. Whether it’s life insurance, health insurance, or long-term care insurance, it’s important to stay aware of any updates or adjustments that could impact your policies. You want to make sure that your insurance policies match up with your financial goals!
Plus, we’ll tackle a mailbag question about trying to time the market. Don’t miss this week’s insightful show!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:37 – Life insurance
2:25 – Making sure your insurance matches your legacy goals
3:52 – Long-term care
6:09 – Mailbag: why timing the market is a fool’s gambit
9:23 – Market volatility that could come with a new administration
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Why Financial Choices Matter: The Tale Of Two Sisters

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles recounts a time when he and Sheri helped two sisters navigate a tough financial situation. After watching one of Charles’ webinars, the sisters sought his advice after a troubling annuity product was sold to them. Tune in as Charles explains how they fought for their clients' best interests, ultimately helping them get back nearly $1 million from a poor investment choice.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
0:52 – The tale of two sisters
7:39 – Doing the right thing
10:02 – Working with the right professional
 
Resources for this episode:
Finra
https://www.finra.org/
Broker Check
https://brokercheck.finra.org/
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Inflation Made Simple: Understanding Inflation

Inflation is one of those financial topics that can feel elusive and often misunderstood. Despite recent reports showing a decline in Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, many of us still haven’t felt any real relief when it comes to our day-to-day expenses. Why does this disconnect exist? Listen in as Charles makes it easy to grasp the impact of inflation on everyday life.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:07 – Milton Friedman’s monetary phenomenon example
4:55 – Government regulation and inflation
7:38 – Compounding effects of inflation
9:20 – Planning for inflation in retirement
 
Resources for this episode:
Money To Apples Charts
https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/24/three-on-thursday---inflation-simplified
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

Who Really Pays Taxes?

Obviously, we all have to pay taxes. But, depending on income levels, some people are paying more into the system than others. In this episode, Charles breaks down exactly who is paying what, using clear charts and visuals to make it easy to understand.
This can stir up a lot of frustration, especially if you or someone you know feels they’re shouldering more (or less) of the tax burden than they should. We’ll explore the sources of these frustrations and shed light on where tax dollars come from and how they’re distributed.
There’s a lot of valuable insight in this episode that you don’t want to miss, so enjoy the show!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:43 – Who is paying what
6:15 – Where the frustration is coming from
8:32 – Working with a tax professional
10:14 – The impact of tax efficiency on retirement
 
Are The Wealthy Paying Their Fair Share?
https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/10/three-on-thursday---are-the-wealthy-paying-their-fair-share
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

The Retirement Jigsaw Puzzle

Think of your financial future like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece- whether it's taxes, insurance, retirement accounts, or estate planning- represents a critical part of your financial life. Without the box cover it’s hard to know how each piece fits.
Understanding how the pieces of your financial puzzle interact is key to achieving your long-term goals. That’s why having someone to help you put it all together who understands the big picture can be incredibly beneficial.
As you listen to this episode, consider how your own financial puzzle is coming together. Do you have a clear view of the box cover? Are there pieces that don't quite fit? Tune in and let’s explore this concept together!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:58 – The key pieces of the retirement puzzle
4:21 – The risks of DIYing your retirement
6:29 – Why you should talk to a professional
8:31 – Finding the right fit
11:41– Listener question
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

The True Cost Of Long Term Care

Long-term care is a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but it is such a critical part of retirement planning. In this week’s episode, Charles and Marc discuss an article from Investment News that highlights some interesting statistics and misconceptions surrounding long-term care. Did you know that three out of four people will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime? Despite this, only a small percentage actually have long-term care insurance.
Charles explains how many people mistakenly confuse long-term care insurance with other types of coverage, like disability or health insurance, which can lead to expensive consequences later on. Join us as we explore the realities of long-term care needs and share practical advice on how to approach this important topic with your financial advisor.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
1:09 – Long-term care misconceptions
5:22 – Average length of long-term care
8:13 – The importance of long-term care discussions
11:31 – Listener question about financial involvement
 
Resources for this episode:
Article from Investment News
https://digitaledition.investmentnews.com/articles/draining-the-pool-of-confusion-surrounding-long-term-care-insurance
 
Contact:
Phone Number: 480-513-1830
Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement