Financial Planning: Explained by Michael Menninger, CFP

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss tax-loss harvesting, tax-gain harvesting, and tax planning strategies for investment portfolios.

In this episode, Mike and Nick explain what tax-loss harvesting means and how investors may use it to offset capital gains, manage taxable income, and improve the tax efficiency of a non-retirement investment account. They discuss when tax-loss harvesting may be useful, how the strategy works, and what investors should be aware of before selling investments at a loss.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on financial planning.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle break down what changed under the new bill and how those changes may affect individuals, families, business owners, and taxpayers. They discuss the tax ramifications of the legislation, key planning considerations, and what people should understand when reviewing their broader financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Harris Gubin, President and Franchise Coach at Corner Booth Franchise Consulting, for the second episode of a two-part series on business franchising.

In this episode, Harris and Mike discuss the benefits of working with a business franchise consultant and how a consultant can help prospective franchise owners evaluate opportunities, understand the franchise process, and make more informed business decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Harris Gubin, President and Franchise Coach at Corner Booth Franchise Consulting, for the first episode of a two-part series on business franchising.

In this episode, Harris and Mike discuss what business franchising is and how the franchise model works for individuals considering business ownership. They explain the different categories of businesses that franchise, what prospective franchisees should understand before getting started, and how franchising can provide a structured path into entrepreneurship.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nick DeVito, CFP®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part series on pension plans.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss important pension election options and how retirees can think through decisions around survivor benefits, lump sum payouts, and annuity payments. They explain why pension decisions can have a lasting impact on retirement income, spouse protection, and long-term financial planning.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part series on pension plans.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss what a pension plan is and how pensions can provide retirement income for eligible employees. They explain the basic pension formula, how benefits may be calculated, and why factors such as years of service, salary, age, and plan rules can affect the final benefit amount.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss the market outlook for the fourth quarter and beyond.

In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss key factors that may influence the stock market heading into the next quarter, including tariffs, the current job market, earnings projections, and potential future rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. They explain how these economic indicators can affect investor sentiment, market volatility, and broader financial planning decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss third quarter market performance and the current state of the stock market.

In this episode, Brad and Mike recap how the markets performed during the third quarter and discuss the key factors that influenced investor sentiment, stock prices, and overall market direction. They also compare growth stocks in 1999 vs. 2025 and explore what investors can learn from past market environments.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Steve Gannon and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC® for the first episode of a two-part series on property and casualty insurance. Steve is the President and Founder of Gannon Insurance Agency.

In this episode, Steve, Kyle, and Mike discuss key property and casualty insurance topics, including why insurance premiums have increased in recent years and how inflation can affect the cost of coverage. They also explain the difference between full tort vs. limited tort insurance and why understanding your auto insurance elections can be important before an accident occurs.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nick DeVito, CFP®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part series on estate planning.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss how trusts can be used to help distribute assets through multiple generations and create a more structured estate plan. They explain why trusts may be useful for families who want more control over how assets are passed down, how beneficiaries receive funds, and how wealth can be managed over time.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part series on estate planning.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss the basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and common mistakes people may run into when creating or maintaining a trust. They explain why having estate planning documents in place can be important, but also why those documents need to be structured and reviewed properly.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part financial planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle continue walking through a case study that covers several important areas of financial planning. They focus specifically on tax planning and estate planning strategies that may help a family better organize their financial life, reduce potential risks, and plan for the future.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part financial planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss a case study that touches on nearly every major area of financial planning, including cash management, tax planning, insurance planning, investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning. They explain how each area can affect the others and why a comprehensive financial plan should look at the full picture rather than one issue in isolation.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part financial planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Nick continue discussing a case study focused on debt management and an upcoming inheritance. They explore strategies that may help the family better manage their debt, improve their overall financial picture, and make more informed decisions about their future.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part financial planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss a case study focused on debt management, inheritance planning, and long-term financial goals. The case study follows a couple in their 40s with three children as they evaluate their current debt, financial priorities, and opportunities to improve their overall financial picture.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Brandon Thor, Founder and CEO of The Thor Metals Group, to continue the discussion on gold as an asset class and how precious metals can fit into an investment strategy. The Thor Metals Group provides transparent and trustworthy guidance for individuals interested in incorporating precious metals into IRAs.

In this episode, Brandon and Mike discuss how investors can think about gold, silver, and other precious metals as part of a broader financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brandon Thor, Founder and CEO of The Thor Metals Group, to discuss gold as an asset class and how investors can think about precious metals within a broader financial plan. The Thor Metals Group provides transparent and trustworthy guidance for individuals interested in incorporating precious metals into IRAs.

In this episode, Brandon and Mike discuss how gold may function as an investment, why some investors consider precious metals, and what to understand before adding gold or silver to a portfolio.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kelly Steyn, Realtor at Keller Williams Real Estate, for a conversation on common financial planning questions that come up in the real estate world.

Kelly also creates educational content by interviewing industry professionals, and in this episode, she interviews Mike about the financial planning topics many homebuyers, homeowners, and families often ask about. They discuss when it may make sense to work with a financial advisor, how retirement planning fits into major life decisions, and why emergency funds are especially important when buying or owning a home.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss the economic forecast and current market conditions.

In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss the labor market, Price-to-Earnings ratios, also known as P/E ratios, and expectations for the markets moving forward. They explain how employment trends, valuations, investor sentiment, and economic data can influence the stock market and broader investment outlook.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss second quarter market performance and the current state of the stock market.

In this episode, Brad and Mike recap how the markets performed during the second quarter and discuss several key factors that influenced investor sentiment, market volatility, and the broader economic outlook. They also talk about the current tariff situation and how trade policy can affect businesses, consumers, inflation, and market expectations.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Scott Mitchell and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC® to discuss final expense planning and how it fits into a broader estate plan. Scott is an Advanced Planning Counselor with Life Celebration, which specializes in funeral and final expense planning.

In this episode, Scott, Mike, and Kyle discuss why final expense planning can be an important part of estate planning, especially for families who want to reduce stress, confusion, and financial burden after the death of a loved one. They explain how planning ahead can help ensure that important decisions are made clearly and intentionally.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss retirement plan options for business owners.

In this episode, Mike and Nick break down several retirement plan options that businesses may consider when trying to offer benefits to owners and employees. They discuss how retirement plans can help business owners save for the future, support employee retention, and create potential tax planning opportunities.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Partner and Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss unexpected unemployment and the financial planning steps to consider after a job loss.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss what individuals should know if they have recently been laid off or believe they may be at risk of losing their job. They explain how to prepare for a potential layoff, what immediate actions to consider after unemployment, and how to think through short-term financial decisions during a period of uncertainty.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Andres Maldonado, Operations Manager at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for a more personal conversation about Mike’s background, career path, and the story behind the firm.

In a different style of episode, Andres interviews Mike to give listeners a deeper look at who he is as a person and how his experiences shaped his approach to financial planning. They discuss Mike’s upbringing, his time at the United States Naval Academy, his career as an engineer, and his eventual transition into the financial advising profession.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Joe Trave, Owner and CEO of Village Handcrafted Cabinetry, for part two of a two-part series on financial planning for small business owners.

In this episode, Joe and Mike discuss important financial planning considerations for business owners, including investment planning for your business, evaluating return on investment, and using automation to improve efficiency. They explain how business owners can think through where to allocate capital, when to reinvest in the company, and how to evaluate whether an investment supports long-term growth.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Joe Trave, Owner and CEO of Village Handcrafted Cabinetry, for part one of a two-part series on financial planning for small business owners.

In this episode, Joe and Mike discuss Joe’s journey from starting his business in his parents’ backyard to growing Village Handcrafted Cabinetry into a company with more than 100 employees. They explore the realities of business ownership, the challenges that come with scaling a company, and the lessons Joe learned while building and managing a growing business.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Nick DeVito, CFP® welcome back Adam Hunt, CFP®, Founder and President of EZTPA, for part two of a two-part series on retirement plan ideas for business owners. EZTPA brings the best practices of institutional retirement consulting to small and mid-sized organizations.

In this episode, Adam, Mike, and Nick discuss the fundamental basics of 401(k) plans, how they work, and what business owners should understand when offering a retirement plan to employees.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Nick DeVito, CFP® welcome Adam Hunt, CFP®, Founder and President of EZTPA, for part one of a two-part series on retirement plan ideas for business owners. EZTPA brings the best practices of institutional retirement consulting to small and mid-sized organizations.

In this episode, Adam, Mike, and Nick discuss the importance of a third party administrator, also known as a TPA, as more businesses across the United States offer 401(k) plans to employees.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss bonds and how they work within an investment portfolio.

In this episode, Mike and Nick explain what a bond is, why investors may use bonds, and how bonds can fit into a broader financial plan. They also discuss common misconceptions about bonds and why bonds are not always as simple or risk-free as some investors may assume.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Rachael Packer, Senior Living Specialist at Senior Living Specialists Philly, for part two of a two-part series on senior living care.

In this episode, Rachael and Mike discuss the tell-tale signs that a loved one may need additional care and support. They explain what families should watch for when evaluating whether independent living is still safe, and how changes in daily routines, health, mobility, memory, or household responsibilities may signal that it is time to consider extra help.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Rachael Packer, Senior Living Specialist at Senior Living Specialists Philly, for part one of a two-part series on senior living care.

In this episode, Rachael and Mike discuss senior living options and what families should understand when evaluating care for a loved one. They explain the differences between independent living and assisted living, including how each option may support different levels of care, independence, and day-to-day assistance.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss cash management, debt planning, and how different financial decisions can work together within a broader financial plan. Of the six core areas of financial planning, this episode focuses on cash management.

In this episode, Mike and Nick walk through a case study involving a recent prospect and discuss several planning considerations related to cash flow, retirement contributions, debt repayment, and home equity.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Annalisa Smithson, Founder and Director of Unleashed Counseling, to discuss animal-assisted therapy, mental health counseling, insurance coverage, and business franchising.

Unleashed Counseling is a mental health practice offering various services, including talk therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Their therapists aim to create a joyful and authentic experience for individuals working through depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges who may need something beyond traditional talk therapy.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss first quarter market performance and the recent impact of President Trump’s tariffs.

In this timely episode, Brad and Mike recap how the markets performed during the first quarter of 2025 and discuss the key factors that influenced investor sentiment, market volatility, and overall stock market performance. They explain what investors should understand when reviewing short-term market movements within the context of a long-term financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the final episode of a nine-part Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss frequently asked questions about tax planning and how different financial decisions can affect your overall tax picture. They cover important topics such as the tax implications of selling your home, Roth IRA conversions, retirement withdrawals, Required Minimum Distributions, also known as RMDs, Health Savings Accounts, also known as HSAs, and charitable giving strategies.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the eighth episode of a nine-part Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle answer frequently asked questions about tax planning and how taxes can affect investing, retirement savings, and self-employment income. They discuss how tax brackets work, common tax mistakes people make, and why understanding your tax situation can help you make better financial decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the seventh episode of a nine-part Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle answer frequently asked questions about tax planning and how different types of investment accounts are taxed. They discuss the difference between tax-deferred accounts and tax-free accounts, including how each can affect retirement planning, investment growth, and future withdrawals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the sixth episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle continue answering common questions about investment planning and the more technical side of investing. They discuss the differences between individual stocks and index funds, including diversification, risk, costs, and how each approach may fit into a broader investment strategy.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the fifth episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle answer common questions about investment planning and explain the basics of investing. They discuss foundational investment concepts, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, asset allocation, diversification, index funds, and investment risk.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the fourth episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan answer frequently asked questions about risk management and insurance planning. They discuss how different types of insurance can help protect individuals, families, income, assets, and long-term financial goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the third episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss debt management and answer common questions about how to approach different types of debt. They explain how individuals can think about managing multiple debts, organizing repayment strategies, and understanding how debt decisions can affect a broader financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Nick answer frequently asked questions about retirement planning and how individuals can start preparing for retirement at any age. They discuss common retirement topics, including 401(k) vs. Roth contributions, Social Security, the 4% rule, and when to begin planning for retirement.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a multi-episode Q&A series.

In this episode, Mike and Nick answer general financial planning questions and discuss the basics of getting started with a financial plan. They cover common questions such as, “What is the first step in getting started with financial planning?” and “How often should I update my financial plan?”

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA and Kyle Ryan, CFP® to discuss what investors may expect from the markets in 2025. Brad is a Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, and Kyle is a Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Brad, and Kyle discuss the 2025 market outlook and the key economic and investment themes that may influence the year ahead. They cover earnings expectations, potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, inflation, and how investors can think about market uncertainty within a long-term financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA and Kyle Ryan, CFP® to recap the markets over the past year. Brad is a Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, and Kyle is a Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Brad, and Kyle discuss how the stock market performed in 2024 and the major factors that influenced returns throughout the year. They cover important market themes including the Magnificent Seven stocks, inflation, the job market, corporate earnings, and investor sentiment.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Nick DeVito, CFP® and Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planners at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a two-part series on financial planning considerations for the start of the new year.

In this episode, Mike, Nick, and Ryan wrap up the series by discussing the final three major areas of financial planning: investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. They explain how reviewing these areas early in the year can help individuals and families build stronger financial habits and make more intentional decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP® and Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planners at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss financial planning considerations for the start of the new year.

In this episode, Mike, Nick, and Ryan discuss how individuals and families can use the beginning of the year to review their financial habits and improve their overall financial plan. They focus on cash management, including emergency funds, HELOCs, understanding expenses, managing debt, and organizing cash flow.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Mike Guman, retired NFL running back, former Penn State football player, and recent inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, for the final part of a four-part series discussing Mike’s football career.

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss what life in the NFL was like, including injuries, travel, the offseason, and the physical demands of playing professional football. Mike Guman shares insight into the realities of being an NFL player and how the game affected athletes both on and off the field.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Mike Guman, retired NFL running back, former Penn State football player, and recent inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, for part three of a four-part series discussing Mike’s football career.

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the NFL Draft process and what life is like as a rookie entering professional football. Mike Guman shares insight into his own experience transitioning from college football to the NFL, including the expectations, challenges, and adjustments that come with starting a professional sports career.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Mike Guman, retired NFL running back, former Penn State football player, and recent inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, for part two of a four-part series discussing Mike’s football career.

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss the transition into college football as a freshman and what it was like adjusting to the expectations, competition, and culture of playing at the collegiate level. Mike Guman shares stories from his Penn State football career, including memorable moments, championship games, bowl games, and experiences with former players and coaches.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Mike Guman, retired NFL running back, former Penn State football player, and recent inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, for part one of a four-part series discussing Mike’s football career.

In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about high school football, the college recruiting process, and what it was like beginning the journey toward a future NFL career. Mike Guman shares stories from his undefeated senior high school season, his recruiting visits to some of the top college football programs in the country, and the process of deciding where to continue his career.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Heather Esham, Owner and Founder of SILC, which stands for Senior Independent Living Companions, to discuss aging in place, senior care options, and support for older adults who want to remain independent. SILC provides active and engaging care services to seniors who are aging in place.

In this episode, Heather and Mike discuss the options seniors may have when they want to stay in their own home while still receiving the right level of help, companionship, and support.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nicholas DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second half of a two-part case study on retirement planning solutions.

In this episode, Mike and Nick take a deeper look at the solutions from this retirement planning case study. They discuss tax planning strategies, investment strategies, and retirement income strategies that may help this particular couple make more informed decisions as they prepare for retirement.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first half of a two-part case study on retirement planning solutions.

In this episode, Mike and Nick walk through a retirement planning case study that covers several major areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and investment planning. They begin by reviewing the couple’s financial facts, goals, and the key planning issues that may affect their retirement strategy.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the final episode of a three-part series on understanding the rules and nuances of Social Security.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss when to apply for Social Security and how timing decisions can affect retirement income. They explain why Social Security claiming strategies should be coordinated with other parts of a financial plan, including retirement income needs, tax planning, investment withdrawals, and long-term goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a three-part series on understanding the rules and nuances of Social Security.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss the different types of Social Security benefits and how they may apply to individuals, spouses, survivors, and retirees. They explain why understanding the type of benefit you may be eligible for can be an important part of retirement income planning.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part one of a three-part series on understanding the rules and nuances of Social Security. 

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss the history of Social Security, how the Social Security wage tax works, and why the program plays such an important role in retirement planning. They explain how workers pay into the system and how those contributions may later translate into retirement, disability, spousal, or survivor benefits.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Jeff Schubert, owner of three local Budget Blinds franchises, to discuss business franchising, franchise ownership, and what individuals should understand before buying a franchise. 

Budget Blinds offers a wide range of innovative and stylish cordless and motorized window covering solutions. In this episode, Jeff and Mike discuss the many different facets of owning a franchise and how franchising can provide a structured path into business ownership.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss the recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and what it may mean for the markets.

In this timely episode, Brad and Mike discuss the Fed’s recent 0.5% interest rate cut, which marks the first rate cut since the beginning of COVID. They explain why the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, how rate cuts can affect the economy, and what investors should understand when interpreting Fed policy decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Bryan Nester, Founder and President of Nester Insurance Inc., to discuss employer-sponsored insurance benefits and how they can fit into a broader financial plan. 

Nester Insurance Inc. is an independant insurance and financial services firm with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In this episode, Bryan and Mike discuss the different types of insurance benefits that may be available through an employer and why understanding these options can be important when making benefit elections.

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In this episode, Mike and Nick recap a case study involving an individual nearing retirement and review the key facts, background, and planning considerations involved. They discuss how employer-sponsored investment plans and workplace benefits can play an important role in retirement planning, tax planning, and long-term financial decision-making.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first half of a two-part case study on employer-sponsored investment plans. 

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss a case study involving a single individual nearing retirement. They lay out the individual’s financial facts and background, including assets, goals, investment allocation, and key planning considerations that may affect the transition into retirement.

     

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part retirement planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss a case study involving a married couple approaching retirement. They begin by recapping the couple’s background, key financial facts, objectives, and long-term goals before exploring potential planning strategies that may fit their situation.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part retirement planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss a case study involving a married couple approaching retirement. They review the couple’s background, key financial facts, objectives, and long-term goals to help listeners understand how a financial planner begins evaluating a retirement planning situation.

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In this episode, Thomas and Mike discuss the Federal Reserve, interest rates, deficit spending, and the ongoing risks of inflation. They explain how Fed policy, government spending, and inflation expectations can affect the broader economy, bond markets, stock valuations, and investor decision-making.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, to discuss the market volatility that occurred on Monday, August 5th, and its impact on global markets.

In this episode, Brad and Mike break down what happened in the Japanese markets and how that volatility created a ripple effect across global markets, including the United States. They explain how one country’s market movements, currency dynamics, investor sentiment, and economic concerns can influence markets around the world.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Thomas Balis, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for part two of a three-part series covering the mid-year economic update and market forecasts.

In this episode, Thomas and Mike discuss the upcoming election and how markets have historically reacted during different political environments. They explain why investors often focus on election outcomes, policy expectations, and market uncertainty, while also discussing why long-term investment decisions should not be based solely on politics.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Thomas Balis, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for part one of a three-part series covering the mid-year economic update and market forecasts.

In this episode, Thomas and Mike examine how the markets performed during the second quarter and year to date. They discuss key market drivers, investor sentiment, and the broader economic factors that influenced performance through the first half of the year.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC® welcome back Dr. Maggie Baker for the final episode of a three-part series on financial therapy and psychology. Dr. Maggie is a Licensed Psychologist and author of Crazy About Money at Baker & Baker Psychology/Psychiatry Associates.

In this episode, Maggie, Mike, and Kyle discuss how psychology can influence financial decision-making, investing behavior, and spending habits. They explore the concept of when to sell a stock, including the emotional and behavioral factors that can make investment decisions more difficult.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC® welcome back Dr. Maggie Baker for part two of a three-part series on financial therapy and psychology. Dr. Maggie is a Licensed Psychologist and author of Crazy About Money at Baker & Baker Psychology/Psychiatry Associates.

In this episode, Maggie, Mike, and Kyle discuss budgeting, saving habits, and the psychological side of making better financial decisions. They explain why people often overlook simple saving measures and how small changes in spending behavior can have a meaningful impact over time.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC® welcome Dr. Maggie Baker for part one of a three-part series on financial therapy and psychology. Dr. Maggie is a Licensed Psychologist and author of Crazy About Money at Baker & Baker Psychology/Psychiatry Associates.

In this episode, Maggie, Mike, and Kyle discuss Dr. Maggie’s personal history with finances and her journey into the world of financial therapy. They explore how money experiences, family dynamics, and early financial lessons can shape the way people think, feel, and make decisions about money.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a two-part tax planning case study.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle review the specifics of the case study and discuss tax planning strategies for a self-employed individual. They explain how business ownership and self-employment income can create unique tax planning opportunities, especially when coordinating retirement accounts, investment decisions, and long-term financial goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part one of a two-part case study focused on tax planning.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle lay the groundwork for the case study by reviewing the clients’ goals, financial facts, assets, current investments, and debts. They explain how understanding the full financial picture is an important first step before making tax planning recommendations.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ryan Keefe, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss tax-deferred investments and how different account types may fit into a broader financial plan.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan explain the tax differences between non-qualified annuities, non-deductible retirement contributions, and after-tax 401(k) contributions. They discuss how each strategy works, how taxes may apply, and why understanding the tax treatment of different accounts can be important when planning for retirement.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Andres Maldonado and Ryan Keefe, CFP® to discuss cybersecurity risks, identity theft, and practical steps individuals can take to better protect their personal information. Andres is the Operations Manager and Ryan is a Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Andres, and Ryan discuss simple cybersecurity safeguards that can help reduce the risk of fraud, scams, and identity theft. They explain why online safety is an important part of financial planning, especially as more personal, banking, investment, and tax information is managed digitally.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is again joined by Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the conclusion of a three-part series on upcoming tax law changes in 2025.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss several important tax planning topics that can affect individuals before and during retirement. They cover the phantom taxation of Social Security, income tax brackets, IRMAA, and planning considerations for surviving spouses.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a three-part series on the upcoming tax law changes in 2025.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss how to simplify the tax code using a custom worksheet designed by Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. They explain how a structured tax planning worksheet can help individuals better understand tax brackets, taxable income, and how potential tax law changes may affect future planning decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a three-part series on the upcoming tax law changes in 2025.

In this episode, Mike and Nick provide a broad overview of the different types of taxes, with a focus on federal income taxes. They explain how the tax system works, why tax brackets matter, and how understanding the basics of taxation can help individuals make more informed financial decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and Kyle Ryan, CFP® welcome Andy Gurkzak, President and Manager at Allcity Adjusting, to discuss public adjusting, property damage claims, and insurance coverage.

Allcity Adjusting is a licensed public adjusting firm in Indiana that helps policyholders navigate the insurance claim process after property damage. In this episode, Andy and Mike discuss how a public adjuster evaluates property damage, reviews insurance coverage, and helps negotiate claims with the insurance company.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss unexpected financial planning needs that many people often overlook.

In this episode, Mike and Nick explain why financial planning is not only about retirement or investments. They discuss common planning opportunities that can affect everyday financial decisions, including paying off debt, using a HELOC, also known as a Home Equity Line of Credit, maximizing an employer match, and reviewing estate planning needs.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Nick DeVito, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part series on year-end tax planning.

In this episode, Mike and Nick review additional year-end tax planning considerations that individuals, families, and business owners may want to evaluate before the end of the year. They discuss how proactive planning can help identify opportunities before important tax deadlines pass.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Nick DeVito, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part series on year-end tax planning.

As the end of the calendar year approaches, Mike and Nick discuss important tax planning considerations that individuals and families may want to review before year-end. They explain why proactive planning can help identify opportunities before key deadlines pass.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Nick DeVito, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part series on employee benefits.

In this episode, Mike and Nick continue their discussion on employee benefits and explain why understanding workplace benefits can be an important part of a broader financial plan. They cover key topics such as disability insurance, 401(k) plans, vesting schedules, and retirement plan loan options.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Nick DeVito, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part series on employee benefits.

In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss what employee benefits are and why they can be an important part of a broader financial plan. They begin with a broad overview of workplace benefits and explain how benefits can affect insurance coverage, retirement planning, cash flow, taxes, and overall financial security.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a two-part series on PSERS, the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle walk through an example of a PSERS statement and explain the key information members should understand when reviewing their pension benefits. They discuss how the statement is organized, what details are important, and how PSERS benefits can fit into a broader retirement plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a two-part series on PSERS, the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss what the PSERS retirement system is and how it provides pension benefits for eligible Pennsylvania public school employees. They explain the basics of how PSERS works, who may participate, and why understanding the system can be important when planning for retirement.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for a retirement planning case study focused on a married couple nearing retirement.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss how retirement planning works as one of the six major areas of financial planning. They review the couple’s situation, goals, and key planning considerations, including inheritance, pensions, 401(k)s, and possible strategies to help improve their retirement outlook.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Marty Greenbaum, CFE, Founder and Senior Franchise Consultant at Smart Franchise Investing, for the final episode of a three-part series on business franchising.

In this episode, Marty and Mike discuss the process of purchasing a franchise and what prospective franchise owners should understand before making a commitment. They walk through key steps in the franchise buying process, including evaluating opportunities, understanding the business model, reviewing financial requirements, and preparing for ownership.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Marty Greenbaum, CFE, Founder and Senior Franchise Consultant at Smart Franchise Investing, for part two of a three-part series on business franchising.

In this episode, Marty and Mike discuss the key factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase a franchise and how to evaluate which franchisor may be the right fit. They explain why buying a franchise requires careful research, planning, and due diligence before making a commitment.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Marty Greenbaum, CFE, Founder and Senior Franchise Consultant at Smart Franchise Investing, for the first episode of a three-part series on business franchising.

In this episode, Marty and Mike provide an overview of business franchising, how the franchise model works, and why franchising may be an attractive path for individuals considering business ownership. They discuss how owning a franchise compares to starting an independent business and what prospective franchise owners should understand before getting started.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP® for the final episode of a five-part series covering common financial planning topics. Ryan and Kyle are Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle conclude their discussion on retirement planning by reviewing important retirement income strategies and distribution decisions. They discuss how retirees can think about withdrawing money in a tax-efficient way and why the order of withdrawals can have a meaningful impact on a long-term retirement plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the fourth episode of a five-part series covering common financial planning topics.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle continue focusing on retirement planning, one of the most important and detailed areas of financial planning. They discuss how individuals and families can begin forecasting retirement expenses and why understanding your future cost of living is a key part of preparing for retirement.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the third episode of a five-part series reviewing common financial planning topics.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle focus on retirement planning and the key factors that can help individuals prepare for a successful retirement. They discuss how to fund retirement goals, why understanding your cost of living is important, and how retirement planning decisions can affect long-term financial security.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the second episode of a five-part series covering common financial planning topics.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle focus on the investment planning area of financial planning. They discuss key investment topics such as passive index funds vs. actively managed funds, what to consider after receiving a wage increase, harvesting gains and losses, and how Backdoor Roth IRA strategies may fit into a broader financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a five-part series reviewing common financial planning topics.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle focus on the cash management area of financial planning. They discuss why cash management is an important foundation for a broader financial plan and how everyday decisions around credit, savings, benefits, and charitable giving can affect long-term financial health.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for the final episode of a four-part series on the current state of the economy. Cornerstone Portfolio Research serves as the outsourced Chief Investment Officer team for Mike’s firm, helping support investment decisions for client-managed portfolios.

In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss the long-term movement of the U.S. dollar and how currency trends can affect international investments.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA. Brad is a Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. Cornerstone is the team that Mike’s firm uses as their outsourced Chief Investment Officers, as they serve in the role of assisting Mike’s team in making investment decisions for their client’s managed portfolios.

This is the third episode in a four-part series on the current state of the economy. In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss the markets from a broad perspective. This episode shows the behavior of the S&P 500 over the past year, and then discusses the disparity between growth and value stocks. Brad & Mike also review PE ratios and compare them to their historical averages.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down again with Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for the second episode of a four-part series reviewing key components of the economy and how they may affect the stock and bond markets. Cornerstone Portfolio Research serves as the outsourced Chief Investment Officer team for Mike’s firm, helping support investment decisions for client-managed portfolios.

In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss the case for and against a potential recession and how investors can evaluate economic data when trying to understand what may come next.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for the first episode of a four-part series reviewing key components of the economy and how they affect the stock and bond markets. This episode also marks the 100th episode of Financial Planning: Explained. 

Cornerstone Portfolio Research serves as the outsourced Chief Investment Officer team for Mike’s firm, helping support investment decisions for client-managed portfolios. In this episode, Brad and Mike discuss the Federal Reserve’s two main mandates: price stability, which focuses on inflation, and maximum employment, which focuses on the labor market.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Jon Groth, a Wisconsin personal injury and litigation attorney with Groth Law Firm, S.C. and Samster, Konkel & Safran Law Offices, a division of Groth Law Firm, S.C.

In this episode, Jon and Mike discuss several legal topics that can affect individuals and families after an injury, accident, or insurance dispute. They cover the basics of personal injury law, what individuals should understand after a car accident or negligent injury, and why legal guidance may be important when dealing with complex claims.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Anca Trofin, Owner of Aim High Wellness and Travel, to discuss efficient travel planning, the value of working with a travel agent, and how guided group trips can make travel less stressful. Aim High Wellness and Travel blends Anca’s experience as a massage therapist, spin instructor, and travel guide to help individuals create more enjoyable and organized travel experiences.

In this episode, Anca and Mike discuss why planning a trip can be overwhelming and how a travel professional can help simplify the process.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Rachael Packer and Kyle Ryan, CFP® to discuss senior living, long-term senior care, and the financial planning considerations that come with transitioning a loved one into a care facility. Rachael is a Senior Living Specialist at Senior Living Specialists Philly, and Kyle is a Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Rachael, Mike, and Kyle discuss how families can navigate the process of moving an elderly loved one into a senior living or long-term care community. Rachael explains what families should expect during the transition, how to evaluate care options, and why having guidance can help reduce stress during an emotional decision.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a series on company stock plans.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle take a deeper look at Employee Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans, also known as ESPPs. They explain how these types of company stock benefits work, why employers may offer them, and what employees should understand before making decisions around buying, exercising, holding, or selling company stock.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part one of a two-part series on company stock plans.

Of the six major areas of financial planning, this episode focuses on investment planning and how employer stock benefits can fit into a broader financial plan. Mike and Kyle discuss different types of company stock plans and why it is important for employees to understand how these benefits work before making decisions around buying, holding, or selling company stock.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the final episode of a three-part series on life insurance planning.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle take a deeper look at the different uses of life insurance, including the differences between term life insurance and permanent life insurance. They explain how each type of coverage may serve a different purpose depending on a person’s family situation, income needs, debt, estate planning goals, and long-term financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is again joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a three-part series on life insurance planning.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss the different options to consider when designing a life insurance policy and how policy structure can affect long-term planning. They explain why life insurance is not one-size-fits-all and how coverage should be designed around personal goals, family needs, income replacement, estate planning, and overall financial protection.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for the first episode of a three-part series on life insurance planning.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle introduce the topic of life insurance planning and explain why life insurance can be an important part of a broader financial plan. They discuss how insurance helps protect individuals, families, income, and long-term financial goals when unexpected events occur.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® discusses a long-overdue topic on the show: the taxation of trusts and how trust planning can affect estate planning, investing, and wealth transfer. Trusts are commonly used as an estate planning tool to help transfer wealth to the next generation, provide structure for beneficiaries, and support long-term legacy planning.

In this episode, Mike explains the differences between revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts, including how each type of trust may be treated for tax and planning purposes.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and how it affects retirement planning for individuals, employees, and small business owners.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle explain the major changes introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act and how it builds on the original SECURE Act of 2019. They discuss how the law created new incentives for small business owners to establish retirement plans for employees and why these changes may make workplace retirement plans more accessible.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss several important financial planning topics that can affect individuals, families, and business owners.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle cover a broad range of planning considerations, including asset distribution, how small business owners can think about paying themselves, and what individuals should understand before borrowing from a retirement account.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss key financial planning topics for young professionals entering or building their careers.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle discuss practical steps young professionals can take to build a strong financial foundation. They cover important topics such as establishing initial credit, preparing for a financial emergency, and understanding the most important components of a financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss when someone should start retirement planning and why it is never too early to begin thinking about the future.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle dive into the question, “When is a good time to start retirement planning?” They explain why retirement planning is not only about choosing a retirement age, but also about coordinating savings, investments, taxes, estate planning, and major life decisions along the way.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a two-part series on what financial planning really means.

Continuing last week’s discussion, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle cover the remaining three major areas of financial planning: investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning strategies. They explain how each area plays an important role in building a comprehensive financial plan and why these topics should be reviewed together rather than separately.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part one of a two-part series on the six major areas of financial planning.

In this episode, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle discuss what financial planning really involves and how each planning area connects to the others. They begin by covering the first three core areas of financial planning: cash management, tax planning strategies, and risk management.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ashley Downs and Joel LeBendig, Co-Founders of Resync Body Works, to discuss entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and the transition from being an employee to starting a business.

In this episode, Ashley, Joel, and Mike discuss the many challenges that can come with leaving traditional employment and launching a small business. Ashley and Joel share their experience planning the startup of Resync Body Works, navigating early business decisions, and learning what it takes to build a company from the ground up.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part three of a three-part Viewer Q&A series.

This series covers questions that clients and viewers have asked over time about personal finance, financial planning, and working with an advisor. In Part III, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle answer common questions about financial planning firms and what individuals should understand before starting a relationship with a financial planner.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, ChFC®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part two of a three-part Viewer Q&A series.

This series covers common questions that clients and viewers have asked over time about financial planning, investing, retirement accounts, and market strategy. In Part II, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle discuss important investment planning topics, including rebalancing your 401(k), understanding the traditional 60/40 balanced portfolio, and how investors can think about portfolio positioning during different economic environments.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, for part one of a three-part Viewer Q&A series.

This series covers questions that clients and viewers have asked over time about financial planning, investing, retirement planning, and the current economic environment. In Part I, Mike, Ryan, and Kyle discuss how investors can think about combatting inflation in a retirement portfolio, what it means when the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, and how bonds may fit into an investment strategy.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Ryan Keefe and Kyle Ryan, CFP®, two Financial Advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss the firm’s investment philosophy and how it applies to client portfolios.

In this episode, Michael discusses several key investment principles, including fiduciary responsibility, customization, research, tax-aware investing, long-term planning, diversification, active management, protection, time horizon, and ongoing portfolio monitoring. These philosophies help guide how investment decisions are made within the broader financial planning process.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® leads a panel discussion with Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Nicholas DeVito to address the timely topic of student loan forgiveness. Kyle is a CFP® at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, and Nick is the newest member of the team.

With student loan forgiveness becoming a major national conversation, millions of students, former students, and parents have questions about what debt relief may mean for them. In this episode, Mike, Kyle, and Nick discuss what is currently known about student loan forgiveness, who may be affected, and what borrowers should consider when reviewing their student loan situation.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Thomas Balis, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for part two of the Current State of the Market series.

Cornerstone Portfolio Research serves as the outsourced Chief Investment Officer team for Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, helping support investment decisions for client-managed portfolios. In this episode, Thomas and Mike discuss one of the biggest economic issues facing investors and consumers: inflation.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Thomas Balis, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Cornerstone Portfolio Research, for part one of a two-part series on the current state of the market.

Cornerstone Portfolio Research serves as the outsourced Chief Investment Officer team for Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, helping support investment decisions for client-managed portfolios. In this episode, Thomas and Mike discuss several key issues affecting the stock market, the economy, and investor sentiment.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Randy Crabtree, CPA, Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, to discuss specialty tax planning, R&D tax credits, and the value of educating professionals in tax and financial planning.

Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals works with CPAs, businesses, and industrial clients on niche tax planning opportunities, including research and development tax credits and other specialized tax incentives. In this episode, Randy and Mike discuss how specialty tax planning can help businesses identify opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back real estate agent David Cary and his new Co-Founding Partner, Douglas Braun, to discuss the current state of the housing market, rising mortgage rates, rent increases, and home affordability.

Dave and Doug recently opened their own real estate agency, Prime Real Estate, which employs 20 agents. In this episode, Mike, Dave, and Doug answer common questions about today’s real estate market and what buyers, sellers, renters, and homeowners should understand before making a move.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Brian McCarthy, Founder and President of Open Tier Systems, to discuss cybersecurity for businesses, IT protection, password management, internet connectivity, and data backup.

Open Tier Systems is a leading provider of IT, VoIP, networking solutions, and technology services for small to medium-sized businesses. In this episode, Brian and Mike discuss how business owners can better protect their assets, websites, passwords, and sensitive information from cybersecurity threats.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Stacy Francis, CFP®, one of the nation’s leading wealth managers and a member of CNBC’s Digital Financial Advisor Council. Stacy has also been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, Kiplinger, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Stacy Francis, CFP®, one of the nation’s leading wealth managers and a member of CNBC’s Digital Financial Advisor Council. Stacy has also been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, Kiplinger, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® concludes a two-part case study on important planning considerations across the six major areas of financial planning.

This series touches on all six core areas of financial planning, including cash management, tax planning, risk management, investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. In part two, Mike continues the case study by discussing how these planning areas can overlap in real-life financial situations.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® begins a two-part case study on important planning considerations across the six major areas of financial planning.

This series is designed to touch on all six core areas of financial planning, including cash management, tax planning, risk management, investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. In part one, Mike introduces the case study and explains how these planning areas can overlap in real-life financial situations.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Gene Goldman, CFA, Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research at Cetera Investment Management, for part two of a timely two-part series on inflation, the markets, and the economy.

In this episode, Gene and Mike continue their discussion on inflation and how rising prices are affecting Americans in everyday life. They explain why inflation has remained a major concern for households, investors, and financial planners, and how inflation can impact purchasing power, interest rates, investment decisions, and long-term financial planning.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Gene Goldman, CFA, Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research at Cetera Investment Management, for part one of a timely two-part series on inflation, rising interest rates, and the current state of the markets.

In this episode, Gene and Mike discuss how inflation and rising interest rates have affected the markets so far this year. They explain why inflation can create pressure on consumers, businesses, investors, and the broader economy, and how Federal Reserve policy can influence interest rates, borrowing costs, stock prices, and bond markets.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by occasional co-host Kyle Ryan, CFP® for another episode in the Case Studies series.

These case studies are designed to explore real-life financial planning scenarios and discuss strategies that may help individuals and families make more informed decisions. In this episode, Mike and Kyle walk through two different case studies involving income needs, family property planning, life insurance, beneficiary planning, and tax efficiency.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kathe Kline, best-selling author and Founder of MedicareQuick, to discuss Medicare, Medicare coverage options, and how individuals can better navigate the Medicare system.

MedicareQuick helps individuals understand the often confusing Medicare process and make more informed decisions about their coverage. In this episode, Kathe shares her background, how she started her Medicare business, and what people should know before making Medicare enrollment decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Larry Faulkner for part two of a two-part series on psychological roadblocks to financial success. Larry is a Certified Financial Instructor and best-selling author who has written three books on the behavioral aspects of finance.

In this episode, Mike and Larry discuss four destructive financial behaviors that can prevent people from reaching their goals: overspending, underspending, underearning, and lying to yourself. They explain how money habits are often connected to emotions, self-belief, regret, relationships, and long-term financial decision-making.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Larry Faulkner for part one of a two-part series on psychological roadblocks to financial success. Larry is a Certified Financial Instructor and best-selling author who has written three books on the behavioral aspects of financial planning.

In this episode, Larry shares his personal story, including the challenges he faced during childhood, his experience overcoming drug addiction, and his journey to becoming a police officer, financial educator, and author. His story provides a powerful look at how personal experiences can shape behavior, decision-making, and long-term financial habits.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back Herb Morgan, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Efficient Market Advisors, for a timely discussion on inflation, energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and the current economic environment.

Herb is a returning guest on the show and has appeared on CNBC Television, Fox News, CBS MarketWatch, and many other financial media outlets. In this episode, Mike and Herb provide insight into several major economic issues affecting investors, consumers, and financial markets.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with occasional co-host Kyle Ryan, CFP® for another episode in the Case Studies series.

These case studies are designed to explore real-life financial planning scenarios and discuss strategies that may help individuals and families make more informed decisions. In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss several areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, tax planning, Social Security strategies, Roth IRA conversions, and inherited IRA rules.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® discusses a popular financial planning topic that many individuals and families face: debt management.

There are multiple ways to get out of debt, but every situation is unique. In this episode, Mike explains why debt management should be approached with a full understanding of cash flow, taxes, retirement goals, credit history, and long-term financial priorities.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® covers a case study focused on maximizing tax efficiency in retirement, managing an inherited IRA, and planning around Social Security benefits.

In this episode, Mike walks through the case of Sandy, a widow who inherited a $900,000 IRA after losing her husband. Sandy does not plan to remarry and earns approximately $120,000 per year. Mike discusses her financial goals, planning concerns, and potential strategies to help improve her long-term retirement outlook.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® continues the Case Studies series with part two of a discussion on maximizing Social Security benefits.

In this episode, Mike walks through a case study involving several important retirement planning strategies and Social Security planning considerations. He discusses how individuals may be able to collect survivor benefits while allowing their own Social Security retirement benefits to continue growing, and why this strategy can be especially important for widows, widowers, and surviving spouses.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® begins a new series called Case Studies, designed to explore real-life financial planning scenarios and discuss strategies that may help individuals and families make more informed decisions.

In this first case study, Mike discusses maximizing Social Security benefits and explains why Social Security planning can involve many different factors. Claiming decisions may depend on age, income needs, marital status, work history, health, retirement goals, tax planning, and other sources of retirement income.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Carol Verhake, Owner and Founder of Lasting Landscapes by Carol, to discuss entrepreneurship, business ownership, landscaping, and the transition from Corporate America to running a business.

In this episode, Mike and Carol discuss Carol’s professional journey and how her experience in Corporate America helped shape the way she built and grew her landscaping business. Carol shares insight into the skills, lessons, and business practices she carried into entrepreneurship.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Gaston Escudero, Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Director at NexPoint, to discuss alternative investments and how they may fit into a broader investment portfolio.

In this episode, Gaston and Mike explore different types of alternative investments and how they can provide exposure beyond the traditional stock and bond portfolio. They discuss why investors may consider alternatives, how these strategies can potentially add diversification, and what risks or considerations should be reviewed before investing.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Paul Deloughery, Managing Attorney at Sudden Wealth Protection Law, PLC, to discuss sudden inherited wealth, estate conversations, and wealth protection planning.

In this episode, Paul and Mike talk about what individuals and families should consider when sudden wealth arises, especially through an inheritance. Paul shares why he became a wealth protection attorney and how his personal experience with sudden wealth syndrome shaped the work he does today.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Autumn Nessler, Certified Retirement Options Coach at An Intentional Life, LLC, to discuss the softer side of retirement planning for women and how life transitions can affect long-term financial and personal goals.

In this episode, Autumn and Mike discuss the unique challenges women may face throughout their careers, including marriage, pregnancy, raising children, caregiving responsibilities, and career interruptions. They explain how these life events can affect retirement planning, savings habits, confidence, and the ability to prioritize personal goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Brian Pugliese, CPA, Certified Public Accountant and Member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors, to discuss 529 plans and tax-efficient college savings strategies.

In this episode, Brian and Mike talk about ways individuals and families may be able to maximize tax benefits when contributing to a 529 college savings plan. They explain how 529 plans can be used to save for qualified education expenses and why understanding the tax rules can help families make more informed planning decisions.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Brian Pugliese, CPA, Certified Public Accountant and Member at GMS Surgent CPAs & Advisors, to discuss year-end tax planning, charitable giving strategies, and important tax planning considerations.

In this episode, Brian shares his background, how he became a CPA advisor, and the role tax planning can play in helping individuals and families make more informed financial decisions. Mike and Brian discuss current year-end tax planning rules and how potential changes to capital gains tax rates, estate tax exemptions, and federal tax laws may affect planning strategies.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe for the final episode of a four-part audience Q&A panel series. Kyle and Ryan are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this final Q&A episode, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan answer common financial planning and investing questions from the audience. They discuss the difference between active investing and passive investing, including how each approach works and what investors should understand when comparing investment strategies.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is once again joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe for part three of a four-part audience Q&A series. Kyle and Ryan are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan answer common financial planning questions from the audience, including topics related to Roth IRA strategies, gifting rules, and inflation. They discuss how a Backdoor Roth IRA works, who may consider using the strategy, and why tax rules and income limits should be reviewed carefully before moving forward.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined again by Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe for the second episode of a four-part audience Q&A series. Kyle and Ryan are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan answer more common financial planning questions from the audience. They discuss the right time to take Social Security, how investors can think about investment allocation by age, and what individuals should understand about tax write-offs.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is once again joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe for the first episode of a new four-part audience Q&A series. Kyle and Ryan are junior staff members at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

After receiving a strong response from the first Q&A series, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan return to answer more common financial planning questions from viewers and clients. In this episode, they discuss how to select 401(k) investment options, retirement plans available to small business owners, and financial planning considerations after major medical expenses.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back the show’s inaugural guest, Bryan Adler, Certified Elder Law Attorney, also known as CELA, and Managing Partner at Rothkoff Law Group.

Bryan’s practice focuses on elder law, life care planning, asset protection, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, and other legal issues affecting aging individuals and their families. In this episode, Bryan and Mike discuss the important role elder law attorneys can play when families are navigating long-term care decisions, asset protection, and planning for aging loved ones.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® chats with Jack Linvill, a retired Long-Term Care Planner, to discuss long-term care planning, care costs, and what families should consider when preparing for future care needs.

In this episode, Jack and Mike discuss Jack’s background and how he became involved in long-term care planning. Jack shares insight from his experience helping individuals and families understand the importance of planning ahead before a long-term care need arises.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP® sit down with Mike Yurcho, owner and developer of multiple Pancheros Mexican Grill locations in the New Jersey area.

In this episode, Mike Yurcho shares the story of how he got started in franchise development and what it takes to build and operate multiple restaurant franchise locations. He discusses the origins of his business journey, the challenges of opening and growing a franchise, and the lessons learned from managing a business through difficult economic environments.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP® welcome Steve Goodman, Certified Public Accountant and President and Chief Executive Officer of SHG Planning, to discuss business succession planning and why it is so important for business owners.

In this episode, Steve, Kyle, and Mike discuss the importance of creating a business succession plan before a transition is needed. Many business owners overlook succession planning or wait too long to design a clear plan for the future of their company. The conversation highlights why proactive planning can help protect the business, employees, family members, and long-term financial goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP® are joined once again by Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring and Test Strategies, for part two of the College Ready series.

In this episode, Shellee, Mike, and Kyle continue their discussion on college preparedness and how families can make more informed decisions throughout the college planning process. They focus on the financial side of college planning, including FAFSA, financial aid options, Expected Family Contribution calculators, and how aid packages can affect the final cost of college.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® and guest host Kyle Ryan, CFP® kick off a two-part series on college readiness with Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Tutoring and Test Strategies. Shellee is also a Certified Independent College Strategist and best-selling author.

In this episode, Shellee, Mike, and Kyle discuss Shellee’s journey as a mother of four and how her desire to help her children graduate debt free eventually grew into her business, College Ready.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Herb Morgan, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Efficient Market Advisors, to discuss the economy, inflation, interest rates, and the current state of the stock market.

With more than 34 years of investment experience, Herb has been featured in major financial media outlets including Forbes, CBS MarketWatch, and The Wall Street Journal. He has also appeared on Fox News and CNBC Television.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® continues the conversation with Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe, junior advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.

In this episode, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan discuss several common financial planning questions that individuals and families often face. They cover how to choose the right financial planner, what to consider when reviewing tax returns, and how investors can think about when to sell a stock or investment.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Kyle Ryan, CFP® and Ryan Keefe, junior advisors at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to answer common financial planning questions. In this episode, Mike, Kyle, and Ryan address several frequently asked questions that financial planners hear from clients and individuals every day. They discuss important financial planning topics related to investing, 401(k) plans, insurance, and the everyday decisions that can affect a person’s long-term financial picture.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Sarah Holden, PhD, Senior Director of Retirement and Investor Research at the Investment Company Institute, to discuss retirement investing, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and how investors can make more informed decisions.

In this episode, Sarah and Mike discuss the importance of choosing the right investment funds when saving for retirement and managing investments after retirement. They explain how individuals can think through retirement plan options, investment risk, fund selection, and long-term portfolio strategy.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Dave Bardsley, District Sales Manager at Johnson Controls and a client of Mike’s, to discuss financial planning and wealth management from the client’s perspective.

In this episode, Dave and Mike examine what it is like to go through the financial planning process as a client. They discuss the value of having a clear financial plan, working with a financial advisor, and understanding how different areas of financial planning can come together to support long-term goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Devon McCrossin, Partner at Boomtown Internet Group, to discuss website growth, search engine optimization, web design, and digital marketing for businesses.

In this episode, Devon and Mike discuss how businesses of all sizes can build, improve, and grow their websites. They explain why a strong digital presence can be important for attracting customers, building credibility, and helping a business stand out online.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick Lensander, Founder of Lenk Media based out of Santa Barbara, California, to discuss digital marketing strategies and how businesses can use online platforms to support growth.

In this episode, Nick and Mike discuss digital marketing strategy, content creation, and why businesses in nearly every industry should consider using social media as part of their broader marketing plan. Nick explains how different social media platforms can serve different purposes and how businesses can use them to build awareness, strengthen their brand, and reach new audiences.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes a very unique guest, his son Tim Menninger. Tim is an Embedded Software Engineer at Green Hills Software in Santa Barbara, California.

In this episode, Tim and Mike discuss the importance of operating systems and how they affect the technology used in everyday life. They also explore the story behind the development of INTEGRITY, a high-security, real-time operating system developed by Green Hills Software.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Bob Matje, Pharmaceutical Professional at RemTech LLC, to discuss pharmaceutical consulting, plant management, FDA approvals, patents, and the value of expert consulting across industries.

In this episode, Bob and Mike examine what it takes to run a pharmaceutical plant as a plant manager and how technical expertise, process management, and quality assurance all play an important role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Bob shares his professional journey in engineering and how that experience eventually led to the development of RemTech LLC.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Sean Montague, Director of Global Engineering Solutions at Merck & Co. Pharmaceuticals, to discuss career development, pharmaceutical engineering, and the process of building and managing pharmaceutical facilities.

In this episode, Sean and Mike reflect on their longtime friendship and share stories from their childhood before discussing Sean’s education, career path, and professional growth. Sean talks about attending NC State, the cost of education at that time, and how his early career decisions eventually led him into engineering leadership within the pharmaceutical industry.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Mike Eckenrode, a retired land surveyor with Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc. Now partially enjoying retirement, Mike spends his days working as a groundskeeper at Fox Hollow Golf Club.

In this episode, Mike Eckenrode explains what a land surveyor does and how land surveying relates to property buying, property planning, and land development. He discusses the role surveys play when purchasing property, dividing land, understanding boundaries, evaluating elevations, and planning for utilities or future improvements.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Mark Bostwick, Vice President of Business Development for Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, also known as PFFCU, to discuss credit unions, banking, refinancing, and how consumers can better understand their financial institution options.

In this episode, Mark and Mike discuss what PFFCU is, how credit unions work, and how they differ from traditional banks. They explain some of the common misconceptions about credit unions and discuss why credit unions may be an option worth considering for individuals and families looking for banking, lending, and financial services.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Mike Guman, former Penn State running back, retired NFL player, and Senior Advisor Consultant for the Pennsylvania region with Invesco.

Mike Guman spent his college football career playing running back for the Penn State Nittany Lions before being drafted into the NFL and spending nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Guman’s football journey, including his college years, memorable games, NFL Draft experience, and career in professional football.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Mike Harvey, Mortgage Professional and Co-Owner of Vantage Point Financial Group, to discuss the many factors that go into getting a mortgage.

In this episode, Mike and Mike break down several important mortgage planning topics, including first-time home buyer programs, mortgage qualification, interest rates, and the differences between financing a primary residence and an investment property. They explain why understanding the mortgage process can be an important part of a broader financial plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Randy Steen, Esq., President at the Law Office of Randy Hope Steen, Ltd., to discuss estate planning and potential tax law changes.

In this episode, Randy and Mike discuss how tax law changes may affect estate planning strategies for individuals, families, and business owners. They explain why staying informed about estate tax rules, exemption amounts, trust planning, and wealth transfer strategies can be important when building or reviewing an estate plan.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Mike Cellucci, Owner of Cellucci Foran Insurance, Inc., located in Springfield, Pennsylvania. Mike focuses on property and casualty insurance and helps individuals, families, and businesses review insurance coverage options.

In this episode, Michael and Mike discuss the role of insurance in risk management and what individuals should understand before buying an insurance policy. Mike Cellucci explains how insurance consultants work, the services offered by Cellucci Foran Insurance, and how an insurance professional can help clients evaluate coverage, deductibles, liability protection, and claim considerations.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Anthony Natale, Owner of Anthony’s Italian Restaurant in Malvern, Pennsylvania, to discuss restaurant ownership, small business challenges, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, Mike and Anthony discuss what it was like owning and operating a restaurant during COVID-19. Anthony shares the challenges his business faced during the pandemic, how restrictions and changing customer behavior affected the restaurant industry, and what his team did to continue serving customers during an uncertain time.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined once again by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Associate at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss the home-buying process through the eyes of a first-time homebuyer.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle walk through the important steps and considerations involved in buying your first home. They discuss the mortgage process, the role of mortgage professionals, and why your credit score can play such an important role when applying for a home loan.

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One of the most common questions financial planners hear is, “Should I contribute to a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)?”

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® is joined by Kyle Ryan, CFP®, Associate at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, to discuss the differences between Traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions and how individuals can think through which option may be right for them.

In this episode, Mike and Kyle explain how Traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) contributions are taxed differently. They discuss how Traditional 401(k) contributions may reduce taxable income today, while Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars and may provide tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement.

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Business succession planning is an important part of operating a business, especially for small-business owners and owners who are nearing retirement. 

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Michael Egan, ChFC. Michael Egan is the founder of JME Financial Services, before merging with Menninger & Associates in 2019. 

By making business succession arrangements early, owners help make a smooth transition and minimize any negative effects of their departure on the company.

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Divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially when legal, financial, and family decisions all need to be addressed at the same time.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® continues part two of a series on family law with Sarinia Feinman, Esq., Partner at Vetrano, Vetrano & Feinman.

In this episode, Sarinia and Mike discuss important divorce-related topics, including alimony, post-divorce issues, and how family law decisions can connect directly to financial planning. They explain why understanding the financial side of divorce can be important when preparing for the next phase of life.

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Divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially when family, legal, and financial decisions all need to be addressed at the same time.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® begins a two-part series on family law with Sarinia Feinman, Esq., Partner at Vetrano, Vetrano & Feinman.

In this episode, Sarinia and Mike discuss the many considerations that can arise during divorce, including custody, communication, family dynamics, and the importance of trying to maintain an amicable environment when possible. They explain why understanding the divorce process can help individuals feel more prepared as they navigate an uncertain and often stressful life transition.

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In part two of the college sports series on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Matt Mark, former Head Baseball Coach at Caltech and current Director of Sales for SunnyMac Solar.

In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss solar power, solar installation, and the potential benefits of using solar energy for residential and commercial properties. Matt explains how SunnyMac Solar provides solar power grid installation for homes and businesses, and how solar energy can help property owners think differently about energy costs and long-term savings.

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We're very excited to announce our three part college sports series, where we will be discussing the process of recruiting and the transition into college sports.

In part one we welcome Mark Davis, a successful Defense Attorney and former Major League Baseball player from Pasadena, California. 

Mark and Mike discuss criminal law, college recruiting, and dog days in the big leagues.

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Are you or someone you know approaching Social Security age?

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® introduces the basics of Social Security in the first episode of a video series covering Social Security rules, benefits, claiming strategies, and retirement planning considerations.

In this episode, Mike provides a detailed overview of how Social Security works and what individuals should understand when approaching retirement. He discusses the history of Social Security, how the rules have changed over time, and why claiming decisions can have a major impact on long-term retirement income.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® introduces a two-part series on Social Security and provides an in-depth overview of how the system works, the benefits available, and the important rules individuals should understand before claiming.

In this episode, Mike explains why Social Security is often misunderstood and breaks down the major components of the program. He discusses the history of Social Security, how the system has changed over time, and why Social Security remains an important part of retirement income planning for many Americans.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick Kennedy, CFP®, Regional Vice President for Ameritas Retirement, to discuss the retirement plan process and strategies that may help improve retirement outcomes.

In this episode, Nick and Mike take a deeper look at how retirement plans work and what individuals, business owners, and plan participants should understand when saving for the future. They discuss the importance of retirement plan design, contribution strategies, investment options, and long-term planning when working toward retirement goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Courtney Dolaway, Esq., Partner at Flaster Greenberg PC, where she oversees the firm’s Trusts and Estates department.

In this episode, Courtney and Mike explore the many different facets involved with trusts and how they can play an important role in estate planning. They discuss why trusts may be used to help manage assets, protect beneficiaries, provide structure for wealth transfer, and support a family’s long-term financial goals.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Cindy Axelrod, CFA and Kyle Ryan, CFP® to discuss the path students take to become financial planners and how they transition into the business world.

Cindy is the Director of the Financial Planning Program at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, and Kyle is a Financial Planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning and a recent graduate of the Temple Financial Planning Program.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Stacey McConnell, Esq., Attorney and Head of the Estate and Trust Department at Lamb McErlane PC, to discuss estate administration, executors, trusts, and planning steps that can help families after death.

In this episode, Stacey and Mike discuss the role of an executor and what is involved when handling an estate. They explain why estate administration can be complicated and why organizing important documents, beneficiary information, account details, and legal instructions ahead of time can make the process easier for surviving family members.

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In this episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® discusses the importance of retirement planning and how individuals can prepare for both the accumulation and distribution phases of retirement.

Mike explains that retirement planning generally involves two major stages: building assets during your working years and later creating a strategy to distribute those assets in retirement. He discusses why saving consistently, understanding retirement account options, and planning ahead can help individuals work toward long-term financial security.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Michele Leahy. Michele is a disability life planner, and owner of Leahy Life Plan. 

Michele and Michael discuss topics including, home community based services for people who are born disabled as well as how to navigate people with disabilities to their federal benefits.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Steve Potts, Esq. of Herr Potts & Potts to discuss special needs planning and how it relates to estate planning.

In this episode, Steve and Michael discuss important planning considerations for individuals with special needs and their families. They explain why special needs planning often requires careful coordination between estate planning, financial planning, government benefits, family support, and long-term care needs.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Ed Bernhard, a retired car dealership owner, to discuss car buying, leasing, used vehicles, dealership operations, and how consumers can make more informed decisions when purchasing a car.

In this episode, Mike asks Ed about his journey from working as an accountant to becoming a car dealer. Ed shares insight from his years in the automotive industry and explains what buyers should understand before deciding whether to buy a new car, buy a used car, lease, or rent.

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In this episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® discusses the fundamentals of estate planning and why having a clear estate plan can be an important part of protecting your family, assets, and long-term financial goals.

Mike provides an overview of the estate administration process, common estate planning pitfalls, how estates may be taxed, and strategies that may help improve estate efficiency. He explains why estate planning is not only for the wealthy, but for anyone who wants to make sure their wishes are followed and their loved ones are prepared.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Kevin Stegena, Mortgage Broker and Owner of Lending Capital Mortgage LLC, to discuss the current state of mortgage rates and what borrowers should understand when financing a home.

In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss how mortgage rates can affect home affordability, monthly payments, refinancing decisions, and the overall home-buying process. They explain why changes in interest rates can have a major impact on buyers, homeowners, and real estate investors.

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This week on Financial Planning Explained, Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Real Estate agent David Cary. David is a senior realtor with Salomon Realty, LLC. In 2018, David was named Best of Bucks County for real estate agents. 

David and Mike discuss the current state of the real estate market, the impact of COVID on interest rates, staging, and other things to consider when buying or selling a home.

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In this week’s episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® continues part two of a discussion on tax planning strategies for high-income earners.

In this episode, Mike begins by explaining the federal budget and how government spending can affect future tax policy. He discusses where federal dollars are spent, including major categories such as Social Security, defense, debt servicing, and other government programs.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® discusses tax planning in the first episode of a two-part series covering taxes, tax brackets, deductions, credits, and other important factors that can help individuals better understand their annual tax situation.

In this episode, Mike explains the basics of taxation and how federal and state tax systems can affect taxable income. He discusses different tax ranges, tax divisions, and how income levels may place taxpayers into different brackets.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Adam Peltzman, RHU, President of Health and Benefits Partners, to discuss medical insurance, health benefits, and how individuals and businesses can better understand their coverage options.

In this episode, Adam and Mike discuss the important role that health insurance plays in a broader financial plan. They explain why medical coverage decisions can affect cash flow, risk management, employee benefits, family planning, and long-term financial security.

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This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes Bryan Adler, Esq. from Rothkoff Law Group to discuss elder law, elder care planning, assisted living, nursing homes, and how these decisions connect to financial planning.

As people continue to live longer, the need for elder care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care planning has become increasingly important for families. Many older adults are concerned not only about their health, but also about whether they may run out of money while paying for care.

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In the first episode of Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® begins the journey of breaking down financial planning in a clear, educational, and practical way. Mike is joined by RVNTV host Al Cini to introduce the purpose of the show and what viewers can expect from future episodes.

In this episode, Mike and Al discuss the six major areas of financial planning and explain how each area can affect your everyday financial life. These areas include cash management, tax planning, risk management, investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.

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