Category: Investing
The Stock Market Roller Coaster: How to Navigate It (Ep. 16)

The Stock Market Roller Coaster: How to Navigate It (Ep. 16)

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As markets rise to new highs, it is normal to think about investing to take advantage of the bullish trend. 

The fact that you are considering investing is great, but what factors should you consider before making your decision?

This time on the Financial Leverage Point, John Iannucci pulls back the curtain on the dynamics of the stock market, especially in light of the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates and the impact of major global events. He dives into the importance of adopting a cautious approach when the market seems too good to be true, referencing the wise words of Warren Buffet about being fearful when others are greedy. 

John discusses: 

  • The current market environment and the impact of Federal Reserve policies
  • The role of major companies, dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” in driving market value
  • Strategies for managing investment risks and avoiding the pitfalls of market timing
  • Practical steps for aligning your investment portfolio with your risk tolerance and long-term goals
  • And more!

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The Worst Mistakes Investors Make When Changing Advisors​​ (Ep. 15)

The Worst Mistakes Investors Make When Changing Advisors​​ (Ep. 15)

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Are you considering changing financial advisors, but unsure about the pitfalls to avoid? 

Want to know the biggest mistakes investors make when searching for a new advisor?

Join John Iannucci as he dives into the critical task of selecting the right financial advisor, discussing the pitfalls of focusing solely on fees, the risks of pitting advisors against each other, and the dangers of the DIY investor mindset. John emphasizes the importance of a fiduciary advisor and offers key questions to ask potential advisors, all aimed at ensuring your financial strategy aligns with your ambitions.

John discusses: 

  • The mistakes investors make when changing advisors and the pitfalls to avoid
  • The pitfalls of engaging in a bidding war with advisors over fees and the risks associated with discounting fees
  • The challenges of clients who believe they can manage their investments better than professional advisors
  • The significance of working with a fiduciary advisor and the challenges in determining if an advisor is truly acting as a fiduciary
  • And more!

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Market Turbulence in 2024: How to Prepare Your Financial Battle Plan (Ep. 14)

Market Turbulence in 2024: How to Prepare Your Financial Battle Plan (Ep. 14)

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As we face the complexities of market fluctuations, tax laws, and global economic shifts, the need for comprehensive wealth management becomes increasingly clear. 

This is the essence of true financial preparedness anticipating challenges and crafting a resilient plan to meet them head-on.

In this episode, John Iannucci highlights six specific reasons to prepare for potential market challenges, from record-breaking stock market valuations to the impact of major elections on financial markets.

John discusses: 

  • Emotional decision-making in response to stock market surges and why to prepare for potential market downturns
  • The market surge driven by seven specific tech companies and the potential implications for market underperformance
  • Consumer debt, credit card delinquencies, and the impact of inflation on everyday items
  • An analysis of the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on financial markets and retirement planning
  • The market’s assumptions about the Fed’s interest rate cuts and the potential impact on inflation and market stability
  • A personalized 2024 battle plan for listeners to prepare for potential financial challenges
  • And more!

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Are Annuities the Right Choice for Your Retirement Plan? (Ep. 13)

Are Annuities the Right Choice for Your Retirement Plan? (Ep. 13)

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Annuities are one of the most popular and controversial financial products in the market. 

They offer an income stream for life, but they also come with high fees, complex terms, and potential risks. 

How can you decide if annuities are right for your retirement plan? 

In this episode, John Iannucci unravels the complexities of annuities, aiming to clarify whether they are beneficial or detrimental to retirement planning. John simplifies the details of annuities and sheds light on why some retirees might be hesitant to embrace them. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of selecting the right financial advisor, providing a free qualification questionnaire to assist listeners.

John discuss: 

  • The importance of understanding annuities and the biases of financial professionals
  • The reasons behind the low purchase rate of annuities
  • The different types of annuities and their various features
  • The importance of selecting the right advisor for annuity advice
  • The regulatory concerns and the need for fair independent analysis
  • A list of critical questions and qualifications for selecting the right advisor
  • And more!

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Are You Conducting These Four Critical Financial Checkups for Your Investments? (Ep. 12)

Are You Conducting These Four Critical Financial Checkups for Your Investments? (Ep. 12)

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Financial checkups are a systematic way of reviewing the health and performance of your investments. 

They can help you identify potential problems, optimize your returns, and align your portfolio with your goals.

Are you curious to know which checkups you can do?

In this episode, John Iannucci explores the four critical financial checkups for investments. The checkups include assessing risk score and tolerance, conducting an investment stress test, and evaluating fiduciary fees. John emphasizes the necessity of these for protecting and growing wealth and recommends regular reviews, especially after significant life events. 

John discusses: 

  • Risk score and risk tolerance and their importance in investment planning
  • The concept of investment stress test and its importance in evaluating investment performance
  • An explanation and examples of various fees and commissions associated with investment advice
  • How often the four critical tests should be performed and the impact of life events on the need for reevaluation
  • And more!

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The Financial Challenges and Solutions of Complex Divorces (Ep. 11)

The Financial Challenges and Solutions of Complex Divorces (Ep. 11)

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Divorce is a difficult and painful process that affects not only the emotional well-being of the individuals involved but also their financial stability and security. 

That’s why it’s important to seek professional guidance from a financial advisor who can help you navigate the financial aspects of divorce and plan for your future.

In this episode, John Iannucci explores the impact of divorce on finances, emphasizing the importance of financial planning. He highlights the need to involve the right financial advisor early on to avoid making poor financial decisions. Additionally, John shares his approach to complex divorces, addressing future financial needs without emotional baggage.

John discusses: 

  • The impact of divorce on finances
  • The importance of involving a financial advisor early on to avoid making bad financial decisions
  • The misconception about divorce lawyers and financial advice
  • The importance of integrating a new financial advisor into the divorce process due to the conflict of interest with the current financial advisor
  • The various complexities involved in dividing assets in a divorce
  • His approach of treating a complex divorce like the separation of successful business partners
  • And more!

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From Imaginary Gains to Real Strategies (Ep. 10)

From Imaginary Gains to Real Strategies (Ep. 10)

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One of the most challenging aspects of investing is dealing with the uncertainty of the market and the tax implications of your decisions. 

In this enlightening episode, John Iannucci sheds light on the pitfalls of chasing gains that exist only on paper. It’s a common trap that many investors fall into, enticed by the allure of profits that haven’t materialized until stocks are sold. While the temptation is real, the risks and potential pitfalls are equally substantial.

But fear not! John not only identifies the problem but offers a roadmap to navigate the challenges. One key area of concern is non-qualified accounts, where gains from selling investments are subject to taxation. However, armed with knowledge, you can proactively tackle this issue by adopting a gradual gain strategy. This approach not only helps in mitigating risks but also provides a steady and sustainable path to financial success.

John discusses: 

  • Non-qualified accounts and how gains realized on the sale of investments in these accounts are subject to taxation
  • The importance of mitigating unnecessary taxes and specific strategies
  • The need to consult with a tax and legal advisor for personalized advice
  • The need for coordinated efforts among individual trusted advisors
  • How ILG Private Wealth coordinates and integrates critical services to provide ongoing advice to clients
  • And more!

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A Shocking Case of Advisors Exploiting Clients with Inappropriate Life Insurance (Ep. 9)

A Shocking Case of Advisors Exploiting Clients with Inappropriate Life Insurance (Ep. 9)

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Life insurance is a valuable tool that can provide financial security and peace of mind for your loved ones in the event of your death. 

However, not all advisors, life insurance agents, and companies are trustworthy. 

Some of them may engage in unethical or illegal practices that can harm you and your beneficiaries.

In this episode, John Iannucci sheds light on the dark side of life insurance, explaining how advisors can exploit clients for their own benefit. He shares a case study of a widow who was deceived into purchasing excessive policies. John also urges listeners to seek independent opinions and regular policy reviews and how we can help you at IGL Private Wealth. 

John discusses: 

  • A specific example of a client who was taken advantage of by advisors, resulting in the purchase of expensive life insurance policies that eventually lapsed
  • How he helped the client file a lawsuit against the advisors, insurance companies, and broker-dealers involved in the fraudulent scheme
  • Four scenarios that should raise red flags when financial advisors or insurance agents make certain recommendations
  • The critical need for regular review of permanent life insurance policies
  • A special offer for listeners: a free, no-commitment analysis of life insurance policies
  • And more!

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Protecting Your Investments from Stock Market Whiplash (Ep. 8)

Protecting Your Investments from Stock Market Whiplash (Ep. 8)

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Ever wondered how a ‘stock market whiplash’ could affect your investments? 

In this episode, John Iannucci discusses the risks and concerns related to stock market whiplash, one of six different financial storms. He dives deeper into the impact of market drops on investments, withdrawal rates, and the importance of assessing overall assumed risk for retirees and pre-retirees. 

John discusses: 

  • Example of how a stock market drop can affect retirement income
  • Importance of sequence of returns in the years before and after retirement
  • Assessing and addressing risks such as divorce and loss of clients
  • ILG Private Wealth’s aim to provide more than just wealth management to successful families
  • And more

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A Holistic Approach To Revolutionizing Estate Planning (Ep. 7)

A Holistic Approach To Revolutionizing Estate Planning (Ep. 7)

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The importance of communication in estate planning cannot be overstated, in fact it might be the most crucial aspect of these client relationships. 

In this episode, John Iannucci speaks with Michael Sneeringer, an estate planning attorney. They discuss the role of an estate planning attorney in creating and managing clients’ estate plans, with a focus on business succession planning and asset protection. Michael emphasizes the importance of communication and taking a holistic approach to estate planning. 

John and Michael also discuss the need to update estate planning documents regularly and the essential documents every client should have. They touch on the topic of revocable trusts and commonly made estate planning errors. 

Michael discusses: 

  • Revocable trusts and common estate planning errors 
  • Primary goals of clients seeking estate planning services
  • The importance of updating estate planning documents regularly
  • Essential estate planning documents every client should have
  • Discussion on revocable trusts and their limitations
  • And more

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About our Guest: 

Michael practices estate planning, estate administration and wealth preservation within the firm’s Corporate Department. His major areas of focus are estate planning, estate administration, asset protection and tax law.

Michael regularly publishes and presents on key issues around trust and estate planning. He is the Trust & Estate articles editor for Probate & Property Magazine and reports annually from the Philip E. Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning for the American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law.

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