Welcome to Your Financial Compass Podcast, presented by Bulman Wealth Group, a show dedicated to helping you successfully navigate to and through your retirement. Our Financial Compass process goes beyond traditional holistic financial planning; we care as much about you and your lifestyle as we do about your plan. Your hosts are Bulman Wealth Group financial advisors who, for more than two decades, have provided financial leadership for those they serve. These shows are designed to provide ...
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Christopher Bulman is the leading financial adviser at Bulman Wealth Group. Chris has 15 years of experience in the financial services arena and is licensed in both securities and life insurance. Chris has helped hundreds of clients make important decisions affecting their financial futures and those of loved ones. Focusing in retirement planning, he assists clients with life insurance, long-term care insurance and income planning strategies.
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Navigating Market Turbulence with Confidence
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20:56Market downturns are inevitable, but how you respond can make all the difference in protecting and growing your wealth. We’ve certainly seen some market turbulence since the start of the year, and for many investors, the uncertainty can be unsettling. While no one can predict exactly when the market will rise or fall, there are smart strategies tha…
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Meet Taran Pannu: The Newest Advisor at Bulman Wealth Group
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11:08In this special episode of Your Financial Compass, we’re excited to introduce Taran Pannu, the newest financial advisor at Bulman Wealth Group. Marcos sits down with Taran to learn more about his background, how he got into the financial industry, and why he decided to join the team at Bulman Wealth. Taran also shares some of the common financial c…
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Do You Have A Solid Income Plan For Your Retirement?
13:54
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13:54During our working years, we get used to that predictable paycheck every couple of weeks or months. But when retirement comes, we face a whole new set of challenges. How do you take a lump sum of savings and turn it into consistent, sustainable income? In today's episode, we'll break down the tou…
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Social Security Benefits: When Should You Start?
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18:35Today, we're tackling a question that many people have: when should you start Social Security? There’s so much advice out there, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best time to file for your benefits. So, if you’ve ever wondered when you should start, you’re in the right place. Join us as we cover some important factors to consider…
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Many of us can relate to the frustration of a messy garage. Despite our best efforts to keep it tidy, it doesn’t take long before the space fills with tools, holiday decorations, and things we don’t even remember storing. Our finances are no different. Over time, we accumulate 401(k)s from previous jobs, old IRAs, deferred compensation plans, and i…
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There will always be things to worry about, and retirement risks are no exception. Whether it's the fear of outliving your savings, the unpredictability of rising taxes and inflation, or the anxiety over market volatility, there are absolutely some retirement risks worth discussing. The good news is, there are ways we can prepare and mitigate these…
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When it comes to retirement, most of us think of it in two clear phases: pre-retirement and retirement itself. But what if we told you that it’s more nuanced than that? With people living longer, retirement can now span 30 years or more. That’s why it's essential to consider not just how you'll spend those years, but also the expenses that will com…
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Women and Wealth: Financial Planning For Female Investors
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14:21They say men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Are their financial and investment needs just as different? In today’s episode, we’ll dig into some of the nuances that female investors face today as opposed to their male counterparts. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Women’s tendency toward risk aversion, investing performance, …
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As consumers, we're always on the lookout for ways to make our money go further. When interest rates decrease, our purchasing power increases. But what happens when interest rates go up? According to Marcos, this can actually be beneficial for your retirement savings, especially if you know how to navigate the current financial landscape. Tune in t…
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Your Unique Priorities Guide Your Retirement
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11:50Everyone’s retirement situation is going to look a little bit different, with varying asset levels, types, concerns, and goals. In today’s episode, we’ll highlight some key considerations to keep in mind as you plan for your unique retirement. We hope this conversation shows that retirement planning isn't as simple as giving yourself a big paycheck…
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What It's Like To Work With Bulman Wealth Group?
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17:57Do you feel overwhelmed with financial planning and feel there are too many things to tackle? Are you not exactly sure where to get started? Today we will cover our process here at Bulman Wealth Group, guiding you through what it feels like to become a client with us. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The discovery meeting: Getting to…
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Are annuities the right investment for your retirement? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of annuities to help you understand what they are, how they work, and whether they might be a good fit for your retirement strategy. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation should give you some…
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Retirement is a milestone many of us eagerly anticipate, but it also marks a significant change in how we manage our finances. Instead of a regular paycheck, we'll rely on various income streams. So, what income streams will you have in retirement? And how can you plan for this stage before you retire? In today's episode, we'll cover all of that an…
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The 60/40 Portfolio: Does It Hold Up Today?
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12:26The 60/40 strategy, which involves investing 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, has long been a go-to for risk-averse investors. But does this approach still hold its ground in today’s fast-paced market? Stay tuned as we explore the past, present, and future of this investment strategy and determine whether it’s still a cornerstone of wealth managemen…
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DIY Retirement Plans: Are They Worth The Risk?
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15:31With the abundance of online advice and self-directed retirement accounts gaining popularity, many are left wondering if going solo is the right move for them. In times of economic stability, it's easy to overlook potential risks and losses, especially when every investment seems like a winner. However, as markets fluctuate and retirement regulatio…
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Aim To Protect Your Retirement Against Inflation
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13:29Unfortunately, we’re still seeing the impact of record-high inflation in today’s market. As interest rates may not decline as rapidly as anticipated, retirees face the additional challenge of market volatility impacting withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and other brokerage accounts. So, what are some ways to combat this? Join us as we shar…
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Important Age Milestones of Your Retirement Timeline
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17:26There are a handful of important age milestones that you should be aware of in the retirement planning process. While some of them are more well-known, others can easily fly under the radar. Stay tuned as we cover the important birthdays you need to pay attention to from catch-up contributions at age 50 to taking RMDs at age 73. Here are the milest…
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Navigating Retirement for Generation X: Strategies to Weather Market Storms and Secure Your Financial Future
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21:31If you’re a Gen Xer, born between 1965 and 1980, you might be starting to think about your transition into retirement. Moving into this new phase not only means imagining how your daily life will change but also having a clear understanding of your finances. Join us as we share some important things to consider as you approach this major milestone.…
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Traditional Vs Roth Accounts: Which Is Right For You?
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20:18Welcome back to Your Financial Compass! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key distinctions between Traditional and Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. If you've ever wondered about the differences, pros, and cons, this episode is your guide to understanding these essential financial instruments. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What are t…
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Meet Marcos Lemus: From Tech Enthusiast To Financial Advisor
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15:36In today’s episode, we are excited to introduce you to a key member of the Bulman Wealth Group team- Marcos Lemus. Marcos has been with us for about 2 years now and has recently transitioned into a new role as a service advisor. He joins us today to share more about his background, his journey into finance from the education and technology sector, …
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We spend a lot of time talking about how to save enough for retirement, but is there such a thing as saving too much? Some experts say that retirees will need 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to sustain a comfortable lifestyle, but recent studies show that many retirees are spending significantly less than these benchmarks. Join us for a thoug…
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While no one really enjoys paying taxes, we all know it’s a given, and we expect it every year. What makes it worse is getting hit with a tax bill that you never expected. Certain moments in our financial lives can and will trigger tax events so we want to make sure you’re mindful of them, explain what they are, and share some ways to stay ahead of…
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If you've ever felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of a fixed retirement number, advertised by some financial institutions, you're not alone. In this episode, Scott debunks the retirement number myth, explaining that your retirement number is not just a single, daunting figure, but instead a combination of different income streams that work…
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Generation X Retirement Planning: Maximizing 401ks, IRAs, and Securing Your Financial Future
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18:33xx WAYS TO CONNECT: Book a 15-minute discovery call with the team here: https://calendly.com/rachel-bwg Visit https://bulmanwealth.com/marcos-lemus to learn more about Marcos Lemus and the other members of the team. If you have any questions about what we discussed or anything else in your financial plan, email us at [email protected]. You can a…
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Ep 17: Wealth Preservation vs. Income Generation in Retirement + How Much Cash Should I Have?
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20:22As we approach retirement, it's crucial to shift focus from accumulating wealth to preserving it and creating a sustainable income. Determining the monthly income needed to cover your expenses and controlling your withdrawals is essential, but more complicated than it might sound. In this episode, Scott will break down the crucial difference betwee…
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Ep 16: Social Security Benefits for Spouses – What to Know
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17:06One question that comes up a lot from our clients that are in their 60s and starting to ponder Social Security is what benefits are available to spouses? Today we’ll break it all down for you and explain everything you need to know about spousal benefits. You might be able to claim a benefit of up to 50% without cutting into your spouse’s amount, a…
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Buckle up, because today we’re diving into the recent buzz around digital currency in the United States. As you might’ve heard, the Federal Reserve recently announced its openness to experimenting with the development and implementation of a digital U.S. dollar. While this possibility may seem daunting, there's no need to panic just yet. It's a mul…
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Ep 14: Understanding The Silicon Valley Bank Collapse and FDIC Insurance
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23:39Following the collapse of Silicon Valley bank, you have probably heard a lot of talk about America’s banking situation in the last few weeks. Today, we are here to unpack what happened with the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and whether we should be concerned about other banks as well. We will also take a deeper look at banking insurance and discuss …
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Ep 13: Big Changes on the Table for Social Security
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19:42The future of Social Security is a concern on the minds of all Americans. People are constantly wondering whether the money will run out before it comes time to claim their benefits. While the worries are justified, there’s a good chance the government will make changes to the program to keep it funded for generations to come. We want to take time …
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Ep 12: Empty Nesters – Balancing Financial & Personal Goals
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21:19On episode 12 of Your Financial Compass, Scott has some great advice for empty nesters. You might think your budget's about to open up when the kids move out, but a recent study shows that parents don't always end up with more money in their pockets. Scott explains the challenges of lifestyle inflation and gives some tips on where to invest those e…
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Ep 11: The Bucket Strategy – A Simple Approach with Powerful Results
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16:29On episode 11 of Your Financial Compass, Scott introduces us to a strategy that can help you achieve your financial goals in retirement - The Bucket Strategy. The Bucket Strategy is a simple yet powerful approach to organizing your investments and ensuring that you have a reliable stream of income in retirement. It consists of three "buckets" - Saf…
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Ep 10: Can Buffer Funds Help During Market Turbulence?
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16:00Last year was a very turbulent year in the stock market and many people will look back on 2022 without many good things to say, but some positives emerged out of the turbulence. Today we’ll share one of those for us and that was our exposure to Innovator Funds. Bennett Feyerer, External Sales Consultant with Innovator, joins us today to talk about …
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Ep 9: SECURE Act 2.0 – Retirement Changes You Need to Know
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16:45Scott will provide an overview for you in this episode by walking through some of the finer points of the SECURE Act 2.0. Plus, we’ll also spend a few minutes talking about the inflation adjustments to retirement plans that are coming and how much more you’ll be able to contribute. Here is some of what you will learn in this episode: · The RMD age …
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Ep 8: Pulling the Positives from a Negative Economy
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28:07It’s not news that the economy has been quite turbulent over the past year and there’s been plenty of negativity to sift through as an investor. We can’t ignore those negative elements but we want to turn that around today and focus on the positive side of the current market conditions. We’ll do that on this episode by breaking it into three parts:…
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Today we want to spend some time really delving into what a trust is and why someone would choose this over a will. To help us with this topic, we’ve invited Mike Bennett of MCB Estate Planning to the show. He’s one of our estate planning partners who has more than two decades of experience and understands the ins and outs of a well-constructed est…
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Ep 6: What to Know About Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
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17:46As the end of the year approaches, people start taking a closer look at those tasks that need to be finished before the calendar changes. One that always comes up around this time is Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Since we get questions on RMDs quite a bit, let’s dive in a little deeper on what you need to know. What do these actually mean?…
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Ep 5: Annuities 101 - Everything You Need to Know
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31:43Since annuities are one of the more polarizing financial products out there, let’s take a step back and look at what annuities do and what options are out there. Then we’ll evaluate the pros and cons so you can start forming your own opinion. Here is some of what you will learn in this episode: · The different types of annuities and how they work. …
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Today we want to approach the conversation of navigating a recession from a few specific angles. First, how did we get here and what’s causing it? Then we’ll look at some of the past recessions and see what we can learn from that experience. And finally, what are some of the practical things we can do to reduce our risk during a recession? By the e…
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Ep 3: Financial Acronyms & Concepts You Should Know
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25:37On this episode, we’re going to break down five different acronyms and concepts that you’ve probably heard of but might not completely understand. Here’s what we’ll cover today: RMD FRA ETF Compound Interest 60/40 portfolio The most important thing about any decision you make in financial planning is that you completely understand it, and that’s wh…
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On this episode, we want to help you better understand the idea of planning by discussing what is and what isn’t a financial plan? We’ll also take you deeper into our process by highlighting the five worlds of investing and financial planning we focus on. Your plan is meant to be a compass for the rest of your life so building it with all of these …
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Ep 1: Getting to Know Scott Vlahon and Chris Bulman
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26:38Welcome to the very first episode of “Your Financial Compass”! I’m your host, Scott Vlahon, Senior Financial Advisor with Bulman Wealth Group. For this first episode, we will be joined by Chris Bulman, Founder and Leading Advisor at Bulman Wealth Group. Chris shares about himself and his family, as well as the history of Bulman Wealth Group. You wi…
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FCR 446 Times of Crisis - How to Lead with a Steady Hand in Retirement
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50:03FCR 446 Times of Crisis - How to Lead with a Steady Hand in Retirement by Chris BulmanBy Chris Bulman
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FCR 445 Always Face the What-ifs in Retirement, featuring Dr. Alicia Arbaje from Johns Hopkins
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50:03FCR 445 Always Face the What-ifs in Retirement, featuring Dr. Alicia Arbaje from Johns Hopkins by Chris BulmanBy Chris Bulman
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FCR 444 America in Recession by Chris BulmanBy Chris Bulman
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