Today’s Prep:
What kind of lies do you need to watch out for when it comes to your finances? Eric shares the truth you need to know in these five financial situations.
Equipping Points:
Let’s play a game of two truths and a lie on today’s show. Can you spot which one is the lie in each situation?
When it comes to inflation, what is your best bet? Should you have stocks, gold, or bonds to combat inflation? Bonds do not do well in an inflationary environment. Normally when you have higher inflation you have higher interest rates as well. Higher interest rates are a negative to bonds, causing them to go down in value. Rising interest rates hurt borrowers trying to borrow money. Right now, it’s a great time to be a borrower but not as great to be a saver.
We all like to have our money grow but every investment has two of the following: safety, liquidity, and growth. Emergency funds are not intended for growth, but for safety and liquidity so that you can get the money when you need it.
When’s the worst time for a market crash? A market crash right after you retire can be one of the most challenging times that can derail your retirement plan the most. When you’re in your 80s or new to investing, this won’t pose as much of a problem. You want to buy low and sell high, so a market crash is better when you’re ready to invest, not when you’re ready to retire.
Lastly, what do you need to keep in mind with Social Security? The trust fund is set to run out by 2034. All the people putting money into Social Security right now are paying for the people on it. They may look at ways to improve Social Security by moving the age you can withdraw from it or reducing the amount. You don’t want Social Security to be your entire retirement plan, you want it to simply be a part of an overall plan to get it right.
Listen to the entire episode or skip ahead using the timestamps below.
1:23 – Which beats out inflation?
2:37 – Who does rising interest rates hurt?
3:55 – Emergency funds should be what?
5:35 – Market crashes are most problematic when?
8:03 – Social Security could change how?
Today’s Takeaway:
“Normally when you have higher inflation you have higher interest rates as well. Higher interest rates are a negative to bonds.“
-Eric Peterson
Subscribe To The Podcast:
Apple Podcasts - Google Podcasts - Spotify - Stitcher - iHeartRadio - TuneIn
Check out some other recent episodes
Mailbag: 4% Rule, Life Insurance, and Early Retirement Questions
In this episode, Eric opens the mailbag to answer three listener questions that hit on some of the most common—and often misunderstood—retirement topics.
Read MoreBeyond Stocks: The Problem-Solving Power of Financial Advisors
Most people think a financial advisor’s primary job is picking investments, but that’s just a small piece of the puzzle. In today’s episode, Eric explains that the real work happens in solving the complex, emotional, and unexpected problems that come with retirement: early job loss, tax challenges, the loss of a spouse, or even recovering from bad advice.
Read MoreMailbag – Roth IRA, Emergency Funds & Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Free
Making more money is great, but what happens when it becomes a roadblock for contributing to a Roth IRA? And how can you make your emergency fund work smarter for you? In today’s episode, we pull from the mailbag and answer a mix of listener questions. Eric addresses concerns that reflect the real-life hurdles many face on the road to retirement.
Read MoreHow 2025 Tax Updates Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Although tax season has come to a close, the time for smart tax planning has just begun! In this episode, we unpack the upcoming tax updates that could affect your planning for the next few years, including changes to 401(k) contribution limits, tax deductions, and the potential benefits of using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs.
Read MoreEarly Retirement: Dream Come True or Financial Trap?
Ever fantasize about leaving your 9-to-5 before traditional retirement age? You’re not alone, but is early retirement even possible? In today’s episode, Eric explores what it really takes to retire early including how to tackle healthcare costs, how to make money last longer and the importance of shifting your mindset from spender to saver.
Read MoreWhat 400+ Advisors Say Really Keeps Retirees Up at Night
What are Americans really concerned about when it comes to retirement? In this episode, we unpack the results of an insightful survey from Financial Advisor Magazine, which was completed by over 400 financial advisors. We’ll also compare these answers with the real-world concerns we hear every day from the clients in our own practice.
Read MoreBracket Busters and Stock Flops: The Risky Game of Picking Winners
March Madness is here, and just like filling out a bracket, picking individual stocks can feel like a thrilling gamble. But the odds of winning big are slim. In fact, history shows that most stock picks, like most brackets, end up busted.
Read MoreAre Hidden Fees Draining Your Retirement Savings?
In this episode, Eric reveals the true cost of investing and how to protect yourself from unnecessary financial drains.
Read MoreWhat Game Night Can Teach Us About Financial Planning
In this episode, Eric breaks down the surprising financial lessons hidden in classic board games, offering valuable insights to help you navigate your retirement strategy.
Read More