Financial planning is about more than just numbers. It may be reflective of the values and priorities you hold dear. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses ways to help identify your guiding principles. He also discusses the financial benefits you, and your loved ones, may receive when you apply those principles. Li…

Spring cleaning our home or office is common for many of us, but have you considered spring cleaning for your finances? John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses why now may be the perfect time of year to look at your financial plan, investments, debt and savings. Are all in line with your current needs and priorities? Listen…

The very essence of this weekly podcast is about the inevitable intersection of Life and Wealth. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses how your personal finances and your lifestyle are intertwined. He talks about the need to assess, and sometimes reassess, your priorities as you plan for retirement. Will you have t…

Your 401k: Take It, Leave It, or Roll it into an IRA # 437 When you leave your employer, you have several options in dealing with your 401k. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by his Mercer Advisors’ colleague Dennis Jablonoski, Certified Retirement Plan Specialist. They discuss several effective ways to deploy …

There have been reports that the IRS has strengthened its enforcement efforts. With this year’s tax filing deadline quickly approaching, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by Mercer Advisors’ Tim Joseph CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional and CPA. They address several frequently asked questions about IRS audits.…

Accomplishing things in a straight-forward and uncomplicated manor has a way of making life easier. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses how to apply this philosophy to your financial and retirement planning to help increase your probability of success. Listening Time: 21 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Informa…

Psychologists remind us that our thinking and reasoning are often influenced by our preconceived notions or ideas. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses ways to identify, as well as work with and around, biases we may have relating to money and investing. Listening Time: 28 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Inform…

There are several reasons why you should consider putting your financial affairs in order before you die. Among them, is that estate planning can help clear your own mind and help give your heirs direction in fulfilling your wishes in their time of grief. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors is joined by colleague Ryan Flure…

Did you know that you may have a spirit animal when it comes to your finances? Your spirit animal represents you, your personality, and your attitudes toward investing. Having a little fun today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, will help you determine which spirit animal best describes you. This discussion may help you better…

Maximizing Social Security benefits for you and your spouse can be tricky since there are several different options to consider. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by colleague Ryan Flurer, Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors. They discuss Social Security for individuals and married couples and explore several …

If your retirement is a year or two away, you should be mindful of changes to the current retirement landscape. The changes result from legislative action and the forthcoming sunsetting of some previously enacted tax laws. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the changes that you, and your financial planning team,…

In today’s economy, there’s seems to be no shortage of financial advice offered. It may come from friends, family members, co-workers, or even journalists. The problem is that the advice you receive may not be good advice. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses some not-so-good advice to avoid, and the value of list…

Managing risk and yield within your portfolio in today’s world, with higher interest rates that likely won’t last, can be a challenge. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the importance of making the distinction between your short-term cash …

The modern concept of retirement was a long time in coming and will continue to evolve. Lifestyle changes and longevity have had a significant impact on how we plan for, and live in, retirement. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the history of retirement and its probable future. Listening Time: 25 minutes Merce…

Putting together a net worth statement may be a good starting point for a more accurate understanding of your financial health. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses what’s included in a net worth statement and the benefits of having one. Listening Time: 23 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our W…

Today, a discussion on how gender may impact your feelings toward money and money management. Kelly Albert, Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Mercer Advisors joins John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, to explore the reasons some men and women have differing views on money and investing. Understanding …

Arrival of the New Year may be viewed as an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning, or at very least a chance to put your best foot forward. John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the importance of placing investment and retirement planning high on your list of “to-dos” for early 2024. Listening Time: 23 minutes Me…

As the year ends, the holidays arrive and many of us may be busier than ever. But it’s an important time of year to keep your financial wellbeing top of mind. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, reminds you of several potentially beneficial tax related moves to consider before the new year arrives. Listening Time: 19 minut…

Having a multigenerational relationship with your advisor can help your adult children get a solid start with financial planning. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses those benefits and the advantages of starting a retirement plan as soon as your career begins. Listening Time: 18 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure…

There’s a big difference between financial planning and obtaining a one-time financial plan. A one-time plan only presents a snapshot of a single moment in time and doesn’t include consideration of life changes you will likely experience. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses why dynamic ongoing work with a plannin…

Planning to work into your late 60’s or beyond may be a good idea in theory, but frequently working longer is not an option. Health concerns or being let go by your employer are likely unforeseen. Does your financial plan include contingencies for retiring earlier than you may have expected? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advis…

Financial planners help clients manage their money, of course, but may also assist in navigating the physical, psychological and emotional impact of retirement planning, and living in retirement as we age. Making informed choices to stay healthy, fit and financially secure may have a direct connection to how long we live. Today, John Walker, Region…

During our working life, some of us define ourselves by what we do for a living. Retirement changes all of that. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, takes a deep and insightful dive into the ways and means of finding purpose in life during your retired years. Listening Time: 21 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Informatio…

Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors is joined by Mercer Advisors’ Financial Planner Dennis Jablonoski to discuss newly released data on the impact the resumption of student loan repayments may have on retirement savings. Listening Time: 22 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Website Join Our Email List …

Having a well-diversified investment portfolio is one of the most basic guidelines in financial planning. Having cash on-hand should be part of that plan. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses why having a part of your portfolio in cash is necessary. Listening Time: 19 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information…

The giving season is fast approaching. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors is joined by Mercer Advisors’ Tim Joseph CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and CPA, and Ryan Flurer, Wealth Manager, to discuss charitable gift annuities. Learn how to make a significant donation to your charity of choice while receiving bene…

You’ll spend a good part of your working life saving for your retirement. Once you reach your goals, you want to feel confident that what you’ve saved will be enough to cover your financial needs throughout your retired years. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the importance of anticipating, and planning for, u…

Attempting to understand Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity can be mind-blowing, but have you ever considered financial relativity? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, explains the meaning of financial relativity and how understanding it can give you a clearer perspective on your financial position. Listening Time: 17 …

Having a clear financial plan may help ease concerns for many, whether already retired or nearing retirement. What is your view of the future? In this episode, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses ways to help those with optimistic, or pessimistic, outlooks create a plan for their future. Listening Time: 23 minutes Merce…

In this episode, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the similarities between building a house and constructing a solid investment portfolio. Listening Time: 15 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Website Join Our Email List Additional Mercer Advisors Disclosure Cordasco Financial Network is a trade…

Focusing on your tax situation for the current year is important. It’s equally essential to consider how tax planning for today can impact your tax situation in retirement. In this episode, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, and Tim Joseph CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and CPA at Mercer Advisors, discuss tax planning…

Why should my financial plan include a projection for living until the age of 100 when I know I won’t live that long? It’s a question financial professionals are often asked. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by Ryan Flurer, Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors, to discuss why it makes sense to assume your life…

Organizations merging or being acquired is commonplace in nearly every field. In the world of finance, the recent acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Charles Schwab has some investors concerned. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, answers many questions and explains the impact of the two companies becoming one. Listening Time:…

If you’re an investor who also enjoys the game of golf, the similarities between the two may surprise you. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, details some of the many parallels that can be drawn between the two including the importance of careful planning, keeping your emotions in check and more. Listening Time: 18 minute…

Roth IRAs offer numerous benefits that make them a preferred choice for many investors. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses five mistakes often made while using Roth IRAs and the impact Roth-related errors may have on your retirement savings. Listening Time: 15 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit…

Being prepared to deal with the many financial and emotional challenges of a family member’s critical illness is a subject most people would prefer not to even think about. Planning however, must be done. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by Kara Duckworth, CFP®, CDFA®, and Managing Director of Client Experienc…

There’s a smart strategy for investing in each stage of life. Some investors consider reducing investment risk as they age. The ability to withstand risk may diminish, but you may need to maintain a certain level of risk so you don’t run out of money in retirement. John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses ways to assess appr…

As you approach middle age, your 40’s or 50’s, it’s likely to be one of the busiest times of your life. You may be at the pinnacle of your career, getting kids off to college, caring for an aging parent, or you are involved in a variety of other concerns and activities that keep you moving at warp speed. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President,…

If you interact separately with professionals such as your financial planner, CPA, and attorney, and each is working independently on your behalf, you may not be getting the full benefits of their integrated expertise. Now, imagine the impact of these professionals working together on your overall financial health, and that of your family. Today, J…

Estate planning is a critical part of your overall retirement plan. Your retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401ks typically pass directly to a beneficiary you’ve selected, and not through a trust you may have created for your other assets. With these accounts, a separate retirement plan trust may be required to get the asset protection and guida…

Anchoring bias can place a disproportionate amount of merit on something you hear or read. It can shape how you make future judgements, and it can have a negative effect on everything from the purchases you make to the success of your financial planning. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, further explains anchoring bias i…

Would you like to maintain your pre-retirement spending levels and standard of living after you’ve retired? Some, however, intend to spend more heavily in their early retirement years, believing they will spend less as they age. These spending considerations are an important part of your retirement planning, and there is often a disparity between s…

The biggest transition of wealth in history may be upon us. Over the next couple of decades, most aging Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are expected to pass along about $73 trillion of their wealth to their heirs. This transfer of wealth can be made after you die or while you’re alive to see and experience your loved ones enjoying what you’ve shared. Tod…

It’s difficult to overlook the long-standing investment success of the so-called Oracle of Omaha. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses some of the investment principles followed by Warren Buffett. Listening Time: 18 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Website Join Our Email List Additional Mer…

In addition to financial planning for your retirement, it’s wise to also consider what living your everyday life will be like after the structure of working each day gives way to nearly total freedom. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, welcomes Fritz Gilbert, author of “Keys to A Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Acti…

People who are saving for retirement sometimes fail to consider how living longer will affect how much they’ll need once they stop working. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses retirement planning strategies to avoid longevity risk. Listening Time: 23 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Websit…

Retirees sometimes second-guess, or even get a bit uneasy, about spending their hard-earned savings when the regular weekly paycheck from their employer has stopped. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses strategies to help you more comfortably spend and enjoy the retirement dollars you’ve accumulated. There is like…

Recent market volatility and the changing economic landscape are among the most common reasons investors give for not taking full advantage of their retirement savings opportunities. If you’re nearing retirement and want to maximize your 401(k) benefits, there are several mistakes you should avoid. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Merce…

In order to reduce their tax burden, some retirees move to states that don’t assess personal income taxes. Depending on your lifestyle however, there may not be any real tax savings since revenues in these “lower-tax” states are often made up in other ways. Today, John Walker, Senior Vice President, Mercer Advisors, and Tim Joseph CERTIFIED FINANCI…

Strategic planning for the money we earn, save and invest is essential in helping to create a successful retirement, but there’s more to consider. Today, John Walker, regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses 7 habits that can improve your satisfaction and help make your retired years happier. Listening Time: 19 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Di…