SML Planning Minute
SML Planning Minute podcasts provide timely and thought-provoking financial ideas and concepts for individuals, families and business owners. Be sure to listen in! Simply click on a topic below to access a podcast. You can also subscribe to one of the many service providers to listen on the go.
What Exactly Is a Reverse Mortgage?
Why would you ever choose NOT to accept an inheritance? There are a few good reasons. And it’s doable if you decide that’s what you want. Continue Reading What Exactly Is a Reverse Mortgage?
Should I Turn Down My Inheritance?
Being named as an estate executor is often considered an honor, and you will be compensated for your efforts. But is it worth all the potential trouble? Continue Reading Should I Turn Down My Inheritance?
Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains Revisited
If your income goes up over time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to save more. If you’re not careful, “lifestyle creep” can make things worse. Here are a few ideas on how to fight back against lifestyle creep. Continue Reading Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains Revisited
Are You Sure You Want to Be an Executor?
Being named as an estate executor is often considered an honor, and you will be compensated for your efforts. But is it worth all the potential trouble? Continue Reading Are You Sure You Want to Be an Executor?
The Latest on Wealth Taxes
The concept of a wealth tax—applying a tax to the value of someone’s assets—has become popular in some state legislatures in the last few years. Are they likely to catch on anytime soon? Continue Reading The Latest on Wealth Taxes
Social Security and Divorce
Divorced spouses may be caught unaware that they could be eligible for a Social Security benefit based on their ex’s work history. The rules are complicated, but if you’re in that situation, there may be a pleasant surprise waiting for you: collecting a Social Security benefit you didn’t even know existed. Continue Reading Social Security and Divorce
How Much Does Life Insurance Really Cost?
A recent survey by LIMRA presented a jarring statistic: young adults believe that the cost of a life insurance policy is 10 to 12 times higher than it really is. The truth is that, for young people, the security and peace of mind a life insurance policy may provide may be a lot more affordable than you think. Continue Reading How Much Does Life Insurance Really Cost?
The IRS Dirty Dozen 2026
The IRS has published its annual “Dirty Dozen” list for 2026. As always, scammers keep coming up with new tricks to snare unsuspecting taxpayers. It’s best to know what you’re up against! Continue Reading The IRS Dirty Dozen 2026
So, What Exactly Is a Trump Account?
Trump Accounts were just signed into law last July, and they are undeniably popular. Are they worth looking into? Continue Reading So, What Exactly Is a Trump Account?
Estate Planning When You Live in a Foreign Country
There are many American citizens who will spend an extended period outside the United States. What happens to your estate if you die while residing in a foreign country? It’s complicated. Planning is essential. Continue Reading Estate Planning When You Live in a Foreign Country
Business Planning Needed Now More Than Ever
Due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the U.S. Supreme Court and current employment conditions, there’s never been a more important time for business owners to review their business succession and employee benefits plans. Continue Reading Business Planning Needed Now More Than Ever
What’s the Latest on the Long-Term Care Front?
With seemingly everything related to health care, the cost of long-term care keeps going up, which may eat into your savings if needed. What are your options to hedge that risk? Continue Reading What’s the Latest on the Long-Term Care Front?
About That Coming AI Apocalypse
A recent essay by Matt Shumer, CEO of OthersideAI, an artificial intelligence company, has gone viral. He projects widespread employment disruption due to the rise of AI, and much more quickly than most people expect. Is he right? Continue Reading About That Coming AI Apocalypse
Good News: Life Expectancy is Going Up
The latest U.S. life expectancy figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some fantastic news. The prospect of increased longevity should make all of us smile. But does it complicate your retirement planning? Continue Reading Good News: Life Expectancy is Going Up
The Spirit of Charles Ponzi Lives On
Charles Ponzi died penniless in 1949. The man himself is long forgotten, but his spirit lives on. Two recent convictions are a cautionary tale. Let the buyer beware. Continue Reading The Spirit of Charles Ponzi Lives On
Should You Collect Social Security and Invest the Difference?
In the past few months, some social media “finfluencers” have suggested that it might be a good idea to collect your Social Security early and invest the money in the stock market. Does it actually work? We follow up on a recent article from The Wall Street Journal that covers the issue in detail. Continue Reading Should You Collect Social Security and Invest the Difference?
Nine Reasons You Need an Agent When You Buy Life Insurance
No matter how far we go with AI, there are a few places where we need to deal with a real human being. Life insurance is one of those places. Here are nine reasons why it helps to have an agent when you buy life insurance. Continue Reading Nine Reasons You Need an Agent When You Buy Life Insurance
Are My Retirement Savings on Track?
It’s an age-old question that seems like everybody asks: am I saving enough for retirement? It’s never going to yield an easy answer. There are so many variables: age, future savings rates, rate of return, lifestyle, etc. Where do you even begin? Fortunately, there are benchmarks available at every age that can give you a sense of whether you’re on track. Continue Reading Are My Retirement Savings on Track?
Are You Ready for the Great Wealth Transfer?
Are you ready for the “Great Wealth Transfer”? It’s not that far off. The sooner you start your planning, the better. Continue Reading Are You Ready for the Great Wealth Transfer?
Does “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” Really Work?
“Buy term and invest the difference” sounds like a great idea on paper. But does it actually work? Continue Reading Does “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” Really Work?
