Best Scott Frank And James Conole Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Stop Your Instincts and Biases From Ruining Your Portfolio Returns 20:46

21m ago20:46

20:46

People say it’s just business, it’s not emotional, but that’s really not the case. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, tackle the psychological minefield of investment decisions and uncover how recent trends, like the meteoric rise of big …

1
How to Build an Emergency Plan 24:52

25d ago24:52

24:52

How prepared are you for a financial crisis when job security feels more fragile than ever? In today's episode, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt break down the essential steps to creating a strong emergency plan able to withstand the tech industry’s volatile job market. Learn how to navigate financial instability with actionable strategies. In order to …

1
How Can You Plan For An Uncertain Future? 22:01

1M ago22:01

22:01

How do you secure your retirement against an uncertain future? In this episode of “Real Personal Finance,” Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, explore strategies to predict future expenses and ensure financial readiness, even if retirement is decades away. They address a listener …

1
Is Giving to a Donor-Advised Fund Worth It? 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

Rethink your charitable giving and maximize your tax benefits with Donor-Advised Funds. Discover how this streamlined and tax-efficient alternative to traditional donation methods might just be a game-changer to your financial strategy. Scott and Meg contrast DAFs with conventional giving methods like checks and credit cards, to paint a clearer pic…

1
Should I Invest in My Health Savings Account? 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

Are you using your Health Savings Account to its full potential? HSAs are great for covering immediate healthcare costs, but with careful planning, they can also become a strategic part of your long-term wealth plan. This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, take on HSAs, sha…

1
What Should You Do With Your Stock Portfolio? 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

Deciding what to do with your stocks can prove to be a problem, challenge, and opportunity all at once. With a huge portfolio in front of you, what can you do to slim it down? This week, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, provide insights on how to cut down on your stocks to achi…

1
What Should You Do With Your Pile of Cash? 23:09

3M ago23:09

23:09

Is your cash currently sitting under your mattress, withering away with inflation? While stashing your cash seems like a safe bet, it limits your access to investment opportunities. With inflation rising, the value of your cash may not have the longevity you hoped for. If you currently have a pile of cash and are asking yourself, “Well…what now?” t…

1
Is It Possible To Actually Reach FIRE? 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

What does being financially independent mean to you? Those chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) are choosing to live frugally now to achieve early retirement. FIRE is a means to unlock a life where work is optional and the freedom of choice reigns supreme. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flo…

1
How Can You Avoid Surprises Next Tax Season? 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

Does your anxiety spike every time tax season rolls around? The possibility of receiving an unexpected tax bill can bring a sense of dread to the entire month of April. We all have to pay taxes, but we don’t have to stress about them. Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, is joined by Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, t…

1
Final Episode - How To Stay In Touch With Us! 6:05

1+ y ago6:05

6:05

Scott and James thank all of the fans for years of support for listening to the podcast and review where you can find them if you're looking for customized advice when it comes to maximizing your finances. LET'S CONNECT! James YouTube | Website | Podcast Scott Facebook | Twitter | WebsiteBy Scott Frank and James Conole

1
How to Balance a Home Purchase with Saving for Retirement? 15:09

1+ y ago15:09

15:09

Scott and James discuss how to balance a home purchase with saving for retirement. Listener Question: We want to stay in manhattan and want to be home owners but can’t make the math work. Our current rental 2 bed 2 bath just went up to $4400/mo. A comparable condo would sell around $1.3-$1.5m. That would put the mortgage at around $7,000 with anoth…

1
What Should You Do If You Make Too Much To Contribute To a Roth IRA? 12:57

1+ y ago12:57

12:57

Scott and James discuss what to do if you make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA. Listener Question: I am currently 33 years old, single, and am nearing a $129,000 annual salary. I have been investing in a Roth IRA and realize the phaseout limits for single taxpayers are from $129k - $144k. My question is, how do I lower my income, besides contr…

1
The Truth About an MBA - Is It Worth It? 14:41

1+ y ago14:41

14:41

Scott and James discuss whether or not an MBA is worth it. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - Listener Quesiton 5:30 - Why MBA? 7:46 - Pros/Cons of MBAs 8:30 - Debt v. Investing 16:05 - Aligning Your Financial Goals LET'S…

1
How Are Different Types of Investment Withdrawals Taxed? 17:05

1+ y ago17:05

17:05

Scott and James discuss the tax implications of withdrawing income from various accounts in retirement. Listener Question: Can you talk about how some of the main retirement accounts are taxed upon withdrawal? Example topic: Are withdrawals just subject to Federal taxes, or FICA taxes as well? And how / if withdrawing from retirement accounts affec…

1
How Can I Reduce Costs Inside Of My Company's 401(k)? 21:30

1+ y ago21:30

21:30

Scott and James discuss how to reduce costs inside of your company's 401(k). Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: What is a good expense ratio for a retirement account? Is this something you can control with an employer sponsored plan? I want to make sure my money is working fo…

1
How Should Real Estate Factor In My Retirement Plan? 23:45

1+ y ago23:45

23:45

Scott and James discuss how real estate should factor into your retirement plan. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Me and my wife enjoy doing live and flip rentals and are planning on the cash flow to be part of our retirement funds. We are planning to move in a year and wou…

1
How to Best Diversify a Concentrated Stock Holding 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

Scott and James discuss how to best diversify a concentrated stock holding. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: How do I exit a concentrated stock position? I’m an employee at a large tech company and I’ve vested RSUs over the last 4 years. Some of my stock has appreciated 4x …

1
5 Steps to Get Your Finances Right in the New Year 35:13

1+ y ago35:13

35:13

Scott and James discuss how 5 things to start the new year right with your finances. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on Yo…

1
How Should You Choose Survivor Benefits Options For Your Pension? 19:42

1+ y ago19:42

19:42

Scott and James discuss how you should choose your survivor benefits options for your pension. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I'm not sure if this can be a whole show but I was wondering if you guys can go over how to think about choosing between the Survivor Benefit Plan…

1
Misleading Financial Rules That You Should Avoid 18:58

1+ y ago18:58

18:58

Scott and James discuss misleading financial rules to avoid. Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: How do you both think about the common wisdom that you should have a certain multiple of your income saved by a specific age (e.g. save at least 1x your salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x …

1
[BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!] How to Find the Right Solution For Your Financial Needs 43:09

1+ y ago43:09

43:09

Scott and James discuss annuities and announce Real Personal Finance NATION! Join the Real Personal Finance Community and click on "The Nation" We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I've met with multiple financial advisors and all of them have 2 things in common. 1. They all say they are Fiduciary. 2. They all try and pitch me on various types…

1
What's the Best Way for a Career Changer to Get Into the Financial Planning Industry? 26:13

1+ y ago26:13

26:13

Scott and James discuss the best way to enter the financial planning industry as a career changer. Wilson Liu Financial Resources We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I really enjoy your podcast. I've had a 10-year career in nonprofit development, but I've had a passion for investing and personal finance since I was a little kid. I'm trying to…

1
How Do You Know When You're on Track to be Financially Free? 23:03

1+ y ago23:03

23:03

Scott and James discuss how you can know when you're financially free. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: If you think we can step away from work when I hit "my number" whether it be at age 49 or 54 - knowing that I would only pull approx 3% from my brokerage until I reach 59.5. My goal would be to leave FT work at age 50, and have my w…

1
How do Individual Stocks Compare to Investing in Funds? 34:05

1+ y ago34:05

34:05

Scott and James discuss the most how individual stocks compare to investing in funds. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I listen to your podcast and it has inspired me to invest however, I have invested into individual stocks and it has lost around 50% of its value so I invested money into VOO because I thought it was safer and I conti…

1
What's the Most Effective Way to Incorporate Giving Into Your Financial Plan? 26:54

1+ y ago26:54

26:54

Scott and James discuss the most effective way to incorporate giving into your financial plan. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Am I on track to retire at 52? Am I over-investing in retirement at the expense of more freedom now? How would you recommend incorporating pension plans into overall retirement planning (ideal year:pension pe…

1
Does it Ever Make Sense to Purchase a Home with All Cash Down? 27:58

1+ y ago27:58

27:58

Scott and James discuss if you should ever purchase your home fully in cash. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I’m 27 and my goal is to have a paid for house by the time I'm 45. In the next 18 years, if I save and invest aggressively will I have potentially have enough to pay in cash or is it better to get the mortgage when I'm able to…

1
How Does A Pension Fit In Your Overall Retirement Plan? 23:26

1+ y ago23:26

23:26

Scott and James discuss how a pension fits into your overall retirement plan. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Am I on track to retire at 52? Am I over-investing in retirement at the expense of more freedom now? How would you recommend incorporating pension plans into overall retirement planning (ideal year:pension percentage break-ev…

1
175 - 5 Employee Benefits To Get Right During Annual Enrollment 37:03

2y ago37:03

37:03

Scott and James discuss the 5 employee benefits to get right during annual enrollment! NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 4:25 - Retirement Contributions 10:59 - Credit C…

1
174 - Is Roth or Traditional Better for FIRE? 26:57

2y ago26:57

26:57

Scott and James discuss if Roth or Traditional is better for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I’m wondering if I should change my 401k strategy from traditional to roth? I’m a 35 year old high earner making around $175k a year plus bonus. I’m currently maxing my traditional 401k plus a 5% m…

1
173 - Should I Dip into My Retirement Accounts to Purchase a Home? 21:07

2y ago21:07

21:07

Scott and James discuss if you should dip into your retirement accounts to purchase a home. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: Should I max out all of our retirement accounts and consider taking a loan against my 457b or take out contributions from my Roth IRA in order to make a sizeable down payment for this second home in the future? …

1
172 - What Should I Do When I I Receive a Significant Bump in Income? 22:48

2y ago22:48

22:48

Scott and James discuss what to do when you receive a significant bump in income. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I would like to do the more in-depth analysis you mentioned on today’s podcast if you are willing. We hope to retire in the next 5 years, at age 55/56. I am eligible to begin receiving a pension after this year, but plan …

1
171 - Should I Save My Money For The Future Or Spend it Today? 23:22

2y ago23:22

23:22

Scott and James discuss if you should save your money for the future or spend it today. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Listener Question: I am 40 years old and want to know how I am doing. I have been through a divorce and a major job change and have been saving as much as possible, but it seems like I may have gotten to a place where I may be able to…

1
170 - Where Should I Invest My Excess Income? 27:36

2y ago27:36

27:36

Scott and James discuss where to invest excess income. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 4:19 - Anonymous Example 10:02 - Cash Flow 17:38 - Roth Contributions 22:41 - Ri…

1
169 - [New Format!] Are Your Investments Too Concentrated? 26:43

2y ago26:43

26:43

Scott and James discuss if your investments are too concentrated. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 5:03 - Individual Context 7:32 - Budgeting 13:45 - Importance of Trac…

1
168 - How to Understand the Stock Market 23:33

2y ago23:33

23:33

Scott and James discuss how to understand the stock market. NEW: We're on YouTube here! Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - We're on YouTube HERE! 6:31 - What is the "market"? 10:28 - Investing in the "winners" 18:09 - Wha…

1
167 - What Insurances Do I Need? 26:39

2y ago26:39

26:39

Scott and James discuss what insurances you need (and don't need). Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:30 - Insurance 7:01 - Proper Protection 10:41 - What Insurances To Avoid? 17:36 - Long-Term Care Needs 16:57 - Debt & Real E…

1
166 - How Does This Market Impact How We Pull Funds from 529 Plans? 23:16

2y ago23:16

23:16

Scott and James discuss how this market impacts how we pull funds from 529 plans. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 5:49 - Stocks & Bonds Correlation 9:58 - Cash Flow & Risk Level 14:49 - What Is A Good Rate? 18:50 - Additional…

1
165 - How to Invest in Stocks For Beginners 29:00

2y ago29:00

29:00

Scott and James discuss how to invest in stocks for beginners. Listener Question Sometimes I can tend to pull the trigger on things before doing enough due diligence. If I make a stock purchase and later am not sure it was the best decision, how long should I wait before selling the shares and moving on from that company.I'm not talking about buyin…

1
164 - How To Understand Your Cash Flow 26:28

2y ago26:28

26:28

Scott and James discuss how to understand your cash flow. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 4:16 - Income 6:26 - Fundamentals 10:46 - Spending Isn't Negative 14:27 - Rules of Thumb 16:57 - Debt & Real Estate 21:12 - Tax Rates 2…

1
163 - Pros & Cons of Using Dividend Investing to Create Passive Income 22:44

2y ago22:44

22:44

Scott and James discuss the pros and cons of using dividend investing to create passive income. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: What is your stance on dividend investing, with the goal of reaching a point where one can…

1
162 - How To Understand Your Balance Sheet 28:21

2y ago28:21

28:21

Scott and James discuss how to understand your balance sheet. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 6:17 - Having Multiple Accounts For Organization 10:08 - Goal-Based Investing Accounts 15:33 - Debt 20:25 - Net Worth Allocation 24…

1
161 - How to Invest During a Bear Market 20:22

2y ago20:22

20:22

Scott and James discuss how to invest during a bear market. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 3:27 - What To Do As Investors Now 6:52 - Prices Are Reflected Today 11:03 - Averages Are In Your Favor 14:27 - Recovery Statistics 1…

1
160 - How to Retire Early 19:34

2y ago19:34

19:34

Scott and James discuss how to retire early. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 2:05 - FIRE Movement 5:05 - Non-Traditional Retirement 7:25 - Social Security 10:09 - Additional Considerations 11:25 - Military Considerations 13:4…

1
159 - How Much Company Stock Ownership Is Too Much? 19:18

2y ago19:18

19:18

Scott and James discuss how much company stock ownership is too much. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: I'm a manager at a blue chip company and they offer up to 20% of their stock in your 401K. Right now I have 8% of my…

1
158 - Where To Invest Cash Earmarked for a Down Payment? 17:49

2y ago17:49

17:49

Scott and James discuss where to invest cash earmarked for a down payment. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: My wife and I have money (in cash, ~ $150k) earmarked for a down payment on a home. There is no real urgency to…

1
157 - How to Best Mitigate Risk in Your Investment Strategy 20:53

2y ago20:53

20:53

Scott and James discuss how to best mitigate risk in your investment strategy. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: I'm really enjoying your podcast and generally agree with your advice. I'm 37 and a personal investor who i…

1
156 - Benefits of Health Savings Accounts and How to Maximize Their Impact 19:31

2y ago19:31

19:31

Scott and James discuss the benefits of Health Savings Accounts and how to maximize their impact. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Listener Question: My question is around HSA's. Am I really missing out by not investing in this? I underst…

1
155 - Should I Use an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) 14:33

2y ago14:33

14:33

Scott and James discuss if you should use an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)? Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - Mortgage Rate Options 4:17 - Mortgage Risk 6:38 - Payment Differences 10:27 - Additional Options 11:23 - Don'…

1
154 - How Can I Reduce Taxes on Side Hustle Income? 16:44

2y ago16:44

16:44

Scott and James discuss how you can reduce taxes on side hustle income. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - Listener Question 3:25 - Taxes 5:50 - Retirement Contributions 7:43 - Retirement Contribution Maximums 9:14 - Solo…

1
153 - What Planning Points Should You Consider During a Recession? 20:35

2y ago20:35

20:35

Scott and James discuss what planning points to consider during a recession. Planning Points Discussed Utilizing Time Efficiently Capital Appreciation Purchasing Power Other issues (IRAs, Inflation, Financial Goals, etc.) Timestamps: 1:10 - What Can We Control 3:25 - Cash Flow 8:12 - Unemployment 10:13 - How To Withdraw in Retirement 14:42 - Roth C…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Scott Frank And James Conole Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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