Your Life Your Wealth
Episodes
Planning Wrap-up for 2025 and a Look Ahead to the New Year # 508
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The year's end is a good time to consider some financial and tax related moves to potentially maximize tax saving opportunities available to you. T...
The Risk You Want vs. The Risk You Need # 507
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The amount of risk taken within your investment plan may be driven by your comfort zone. However, is your comfortable level of risk different than ...
Roth vs Traditional IRAs # 506
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Proper tax planning can be an important part of determining the real value of your IRA accounts. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Merce...
New Tax Guidance Regarding Your Charitable Deductions # 505
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Newly enacted regulations may have an impact on the how your charitable tax deductions will be treated by the IRS. Today, John Walker, Regional Vic...
Financial Consideration in Divorce # 504
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you are facing a divorce, you likely need a team of professionals to protect your interests. In addition to your divorce attorney, you may consi...
Advantages of A Financial Gifting Strategy # 503
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you plan to gift cash or securities to a family member, friend, or charity there may be benefits to share. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Pre...
Do You Have Financial Regrets? # 502
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's not uncommon for some folks to look back on their personal financial history and have some remorse. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Presiden...
"Fear of Getting In" the Markets # 501
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market volatility may be keeping you on the sidelines, but when is the right time to get back in the markets? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Pre...
The Real Value of Financial Advice # 500
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a do-it-yourself investor? Perhaps it's time to consider an alternative. A new study released by The Vanguard Group shows the intrinsic val...
Savings Comparisons May Be Useless # 499
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every wonder how your savings, or the value of your 401k, stacks-up against your peers? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisor...
Your Deferred Compensation # 498
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In additional to salary, bonuses, and medical benefits, deferred compensation is sometimes offered to executive level employees in the form of stoc...
Mid-Year is a Good Time for Your Portfolio Check-up # 497
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While many of us may be focusing on our summer vacation plans, now may be the right time to take good look at another type of plan, your financial ...
The Many Benefits of a 529 Plan
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Saving for a child's education is a propriety for many parents and grandparents. 529 plans can offer distinct opportunities for students and savers...
Your Flexible Financial Goals # 495
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Having measurable achievable goals is an integral part of wealth planning. Many savers believe those goals should be immovable and remain unchanged...
Strategies for Inflation Risk to Your Portfolio # 494
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're planning for retirement, there are many risks you may face. Among them is the risk of inflation. How will inflation impact your ability t...
Adolescents May Benefits from Your Conversations about Money # 493
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some younger folks desire conversations about money with their parents, but some parents may consider that discussion best avoided. Today, John Wal...
Your Opportunities During Volatile Markets # 492
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Volatile markets can rattle even the most experienced investor, but sometimes adversity can bring opportunity. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Pr...
Tax Advantaged Charitable Giving & Support of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Events # 491
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2026 FIFA World Cup games are coming to Philadelphia. Many civic-focused events, with long-lasting benefits to the region, are in the planning stag...
Psychology of Money # 490
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are ways for you to gain a better understanding of your views about money and wealth, and the influences that may have helped shape those vie...
It's Never Too Late to Save for Your Retirement # 489
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For some families, retirement planning has taken a backseat to things such as the cost of raising children, putting them through college, paying fo...
Financial Considerations of a Job Change # 488
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's tight labor market, many folks find themselves dealing with a job change. It could be a voluntary move or an unexpected occurrence. Toda...
Wealth Manager or Investment Manager: Which is Right for You? # 487
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The roles of wealth manager and investment manager may be quite different. Do you know the distinction? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President...
Retirement Planning in Your 70's and Beyond # 486
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Preparing for retirement if you plan to work into your 70's or 80's may be quite different than if you plan to enter retirement in your early 60's....
How Not to be an Emotionally Driven Investor # 485
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Consider investing with discipline and consistency, and not with your emotions. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is jo...
Do Millionaires have Financial Planning Secrets? # 484
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Attaining millionaire status may be less illusive now than in years past. Some who aspire to that level of wealth believe there may be secrets to r...
Assessing Your Level of Retirement Readiness # 483
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Retiring can be a difficult transition, but good financial and psychological planning may help. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer...
Family Finances: Staying on the Same Page # 482
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial strife can cause dissatisfaction in relationships. Significantly differing views on money management and spending may lead to arguments a...
How Much Home Can You Really Afford # 481
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Home ownership is part of the American dream. The increased cost of owning a home has made home ownership a bigger challenge for many. Today, John ...
Taking a Buyout from Your Employer # 480
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unfortunately, having to reduce the number of a company's employees has become all too commonplace. Frequently cutting the payroll may be considere...
Helping You Choose A Financial Advisor That's Right for You # 479
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Selecting a professional to handle your financial affairs can be a critically important decision. There are many options for you to carefully inves...
Is Fear Causing You to Delay Your Retirement? # 478
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are issues of concern that prevent some aging Americans from retiring. However, delaying retirement too long may create unforeseen problems. Tod...
New Interest in College Courses on Personal Finance # 477
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is a growing trend of personal finance courses being offered on college campuses. Members of Generation Z are flocking to them. Today, John W...
The Value of Professional Guidance in Selling Your Business # 476
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many business owners of the baby-boom generation will be selling their companies and moving into retirement over the next twenty years. A large tra...
Finding Your Financial Confidence # 475
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to a recent Charles Schwab survey, two-thirds of baby-boomers believe they are in a better position to reach their financial goals than p...
Balancing Money and Happiness # 474
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can having more money equate to greater satisfaction or contentment? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CER...
Ways to Help Minimize Your Sequence of Return Risk # 473
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you depend largely on your investment portfolio to fund your retirement, withdrawing from those accounts during a down market, particularly in t...
5 Financial Considerations for the New Year # 472
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2025 has arrived. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses 5 important areas of financial planning and personal fina...
Money Talk at Your Holiday Table # 471
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about money and finances may sometimes be discouraged when the family is together at the holiday table. But, should such talk really be tab...
Your Tax Deductible Charitable Donations # 470
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us are charitable year-round. At holiday time, making charitable donations often takes on additional significance as we count our blessings...
Your Year-End Tax Planning # 469
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Assessing your tax situation before year-end can uncover various tax planning moves for you to consider. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Presiden...
Avoiding Retirement Planning Mistakes # 468
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Minor missteps when planning for retirement can create major difficulty often not realized until you've retired. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice ...
New 401k & IRA Rules May Impact Your Plans for Retirement # 467
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resulting from the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, there are now important changes happening with retirement plans. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Presi...
Guidance for Sharing Your Family Wealth # 466
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being a child of wealthy parents does not necessarily mean your financial situation with always be easy to manage. Family dynamics are often compli...
The Evolution of Risk Tolerance # 465
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Will your investment risk tolerance change as you enter different stages of life? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is ...
Inherited IRA Rules: Clarity from the IRS # 464
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Internal Revenue Service has recently offered clearer tax guidance on how inherited IRAs are treated by a spouse, surviving child or other bene...
Generational Views on Financial Planning # 463
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ideas about the preferred approach to wealth building and financial planning can be quite varied when you compare the views of different generation...
Having Cash in Your Portfolio # 462
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cash can be an important part of your investment portfolio. How much should you have, and in what vehicles should your cash be held? Today, John Wa...
Your Basic Estate Planning Goals # 461
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are several elements that may be a part of an estate plan. By including even the most basic items in your estate plan, you can help family an...
Do You Want to Live in a "No Income Tax" State? # 460
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes people consider moving to states with no income tax because they think living there will be a better deal financially. Today, John Walker...
Retirement Planning for Couples with an Age Gap # 459
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If there is a significant age disparity between you and your spouse, that difference should be considered as you plan for your retired years. Today...
Tax Optimization: A Strategy for Your Retirement Plan # 458
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pay your fair share, of course, but why pay more in taxes than necessary? Did you know that paying the least amount of tax in a calendar year may n...
Returning to Work After Retirement # 457
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The number of retirees going back to work, full or part-time, is on the rise. Some return for financial reasons, others to resume professional and ...
Is a Roth Conversion Right for You? # 456
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roth IRAs offer tax advantages for younger workers, but they also offer benefits you may consider as you approach retirement. Today, John Walker, R...
Big Picture Financial Planning # 455
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you focusing solely on "the numbers" when determining your investment success? Perhaps you should reconsider. There are many other aspects of f...
Your Concentrated Stock Positions # 454
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining a balanced portfolio is an important part of your investment strategy. There are times, due to a surge in one market sector for example...
Benefits of Your Delayed Retirement # 453
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Retiring early is the dream of many, but delaying your planned retirement may offer an upside. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer ...
Baby Boomers Wealth Transfer: Helping You Understand Its Impact # 452
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The baby boom generation is the wealthiest in U.S. history. As the boomers age beyond retirement and pass their wealth to their heirs, collectively...
You Can Balance Living for Today and Saving for Tomorrow # 451
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Diligent saving for your retired years doesn't mean you need to miss out on life's pleasures. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer A...
More Rules of Thumb for Your Consideration #450
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've all heard them and frequently abide by them. While these rules are created with the best of intentions, blindly following popular investment ...
Rules of Thumb # 449
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rules of thumb. We've all heard them and frequently abide by them. While these rules are created with the best of intentions, blindly following pop...
Insurance and Your Financial Planning: # 448
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Protecting what have, and providing for those you care about, may depend on having the correct type and amount of insurance. Purchasing sufficient ...
With No Children, Whom Will You Rely on Later in Life? # 447
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you don't have a support system of family or friends, you may face challenging times as you age alone. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Preside...
Should You Fund Your 401k Beyond the Company Match? # 446
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Funding your 401k up to the amount of your company's match is a no-brainer. Your contribution gets doubled, but should you contribute more? Today, ...
Buckets Of Money for Your Retirement # 445
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When planning for your retirement, having money set aside for short, intermediate and long-term purposes can be a viable approach to securing your ...
Using Debt to Your Advantage in Financial Planning # 444
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Debt is a 4-letter word many savers and investors may want to avoid. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CER...
Do You Believe a Retirement Crisis is Looming? # 443
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
News stories about an impending retirement crisis have been published regularly over the past several decades. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice Pr...
Building Blocks To Your Later Years # 442
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The building blocks that we played with as children take on a whole new meaning when they are imagined, later in life, to be more than just toys. B...
Can You Live Comfortably on a Budget? # 441
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For some, living on a budget is considered a disciplined plan for careful spending and saving. For others, having to adhere to a budget is an unwel...
How Your Core Values Impact Your Financial Plan # 440
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Financial planning is about more than just numbers. It may be reflective of the values and priorities you hold dear. Today, John Walker, Regional V...
A Spring Cleaning Guide for your Finances # 439
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Life and Wealth: The Unbreakable Link # 438
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The very essence of this weekly podcast is about the inevitable intersection of Life and Wealth. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Merce...
Your 401k: Take It, Leave It, or Roll it into an IRA # 437
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Will You Escape the Dreaded IRS Audit # 436
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There have been reports that the IRS has strengthened its enforcement efforts. With this year's tax filing deadline quickly approaching, John Walke...
Keeping It Simple: A Strategy for Investing # 435
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Accomplishing things in a straight-forward and uncomplicated manor has a way of making life easier. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Me...
How You Can Better Understand What Drives Your Investment Behaviors # 434
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologists remind us that our thinking and reasoning are often influenced by our preconceived notions or ideas. Today, John Walker, Regional Vic...
Estate Planning: The Reasons Why # 433
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are several reasons why you should consider putting your financial affairs in order before you die. Among them, is that estate planning can h...
Your Spirit Animal: What it is and How it Relates to Financial Planning # 432
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 attitu...
Optimizing Your Social Security Benefits # 431
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maximizing Social Security benefits for you and your spouse can be tricky since there are several different options to consider. Today, John Walker...
Things To Consider if You Plan to Retire in the Next Year or Two # 430
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
You Can Avoid Less-Than-Stellar Financial Advice # 429
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 jour...
Cash is King, but There's More You Should Know # 428
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Past, Present and Future of Retirement # 427
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The modern concept of retirement was a long time in coming and will continue to evolve. Lifestyle changes and longevity have had a significant impa...
The Value of Knowing Your Net Worth # 426
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Putting together a net worth statement may be a good starting point for a more accurate understanding of your financial health. Today, John Walker,...
Feelings About Finances: The Gender Difference # 425
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, a discussion on how gender may impact your feelings toward money and money management. Kelly Albert, Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL P...
Your Investment and Retirement Planning for the New Year # 424
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Your Year End Tax Planning Reminders # 423
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Benefits of an Early Start when Your Family and Advisor Connect # 422
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a multigenerational relationship with your advisor can help your adult children get a solid start with financial planning. Today, John Walker, ...
Your Financial Planning vs. a One Time Financial Plan # 421
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 mome...
Unexpected Early Retirement - Are You Prepared #420
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Your Health, Wealth and Longevity # 419
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Financial planners help clients manage their money, of course, but may also assist in navigating the physical, psychological and emotional impact of r...
Living Your Purposeful Retirement # 418
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pre...
What Happens when Student Loan Repayment and Retirement Planning Converge? # 417
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors is joined by Mercer Advisors' Financial Planner Dennis Jablonoski to discuss newly releas...
Why Cash Should be a Part of Your Investment Portfolio # 416
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Charitable Gift Annuities # 415
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The giving season is fast approaching. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors is joined by Mercer Advisors' Tim Joseph CERTIFIED...
Expenses That Could Jeopardize Your Retirement Plans #414
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Financial Relativity: Help in Clarifying Your View # 413
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Attempting to understand Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity can be mind-blowing, but have you ever considered financial relativity? Today, John Wa...
Your Retirement Outlook: Is the Glass Half-Full or Half-Empty? # 412
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Building Your Investment Portfolio One Brick at a Time # 411
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses the similarities between building a house and constructing a solid i...
Tax Planning Now and Throughout Your Retirement # 410
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 si...
Your Financial Plan for Living Until Age 100 # 409
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 profes...