Check Your Balances
Check Your Balances explores the world of personal finance, investing, and business through the lens of two financial planners that help people navigate some of life's most impactful financial decisions.
Episodes
193 episodes
October Mailbag: Safe Withdrawal Rate, Different Investments at $500K?
Join us for the October edition of our personal finance mailbag podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into listener questions and provide insights on:Safe Withdrawal Rate: How much can you safely withdraw from your retiremen...
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Episode 193
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27:57
New Home with Drew McKenzie
The final chapter (we hope) in the Ross' house saga. Drew McKenzie from Long and Foster joins the show to talk about what it's like trying to give advice to a guy that gives advice for a living. Find this episode on YouTube (to see the ...
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Episode 192
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27:37
Rate Cut: What does it mean for you?
It finally happened, the Fed has cut rates... so now what? We talk about the impact of the new interest rate environment and what it means for you.Send your questions for the show to checky...
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Episode 191
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24:21
Is Your 401(k) a Scam?
Prominent financial pundits and, like Robert Kiyosaki, will tell you the 401(k) is a 'Horrible' retirement plan. Why is that the case, and are they really right? Tune in this week for our take.Send your personal finance questions to
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Episode 190
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23:37
Refi Time... Already?
Mortgage rates have already have already dropped more than a full percent from their recent highs. Is it too soon to talk about refinancing your mortgage? Why don't financial podcasters talk about the real costs associated with a refinance? Tun...
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Episode 189
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23:14
September Mailbag: Should you get married for tax benefits?
Perhaps not the most romantic reason, but does it make sense to get married for the tax benfits? Also how do you invest if you've got a windfall of cash to deal with? That and more in this week's mailbag episode.Send your questions to <...
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Episode 188
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31:18
The Impact of Social Security
We commonly talk with people that underestimate the impact of Social Security (and pensions) and how big of a deal it can for building their retirement plan. This week we have a philosophical question about how to think about it and how it rela...
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Episode 187
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28:32
August Mailbag: Taxes on IRAs, Long-Term Care Insurance, and More!
How do the taxes actually work on a non-Roth IRA? Should you prioritize Long-Term Care Insurance or Disability Insurance? If you're like our listeners, these questions may be on your mind too. Send your financial planning questions to <...
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Episode 186
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32:01
Welcome Back Market Volatility
The past couple of weeks have shown an interruption in what has otherwise been a very comfy ride in the markets so far in 2024. With some major investors unloading big chunks of stock we look at the recent volatility and talk about whether it s...
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Episode 185
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28:12
Who Needs Estate Plans? with Meredith Hill, Esq.
This week we are joined by Meredith Hill, the founder and principal attorney, of the Hill Law Group. Meredith joins the show to discuss who needs estate plans and the pitfalls that families can fall into without having the proper documents in p...
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Episode 184
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34:42
The SECURE Act ...again, really.
This week we celebrate that the IRS has finally clarified guidance for Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. And also an update on the ongoing housing drama for Ross.Send your questions for an upcoming mailbag to
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Episode 183
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24:49
All Thing Tax with Jasmine DiLucci, JD, CPA, EA
This week Ross and Dan welcome tax attorney and expert, Jasmine DiLucci to the show to talk about how you can use the tax code to your advantage, and avoid silly scams that originate online.Send your questions to the show to
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Episode 182
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32:27
How good is your 401(k)?
This week Ross and Dan break down what they look for when evaluating a clients' 401(k) plan and whether it's actually any good. Some a great, and some not be the best home for your funds. Tune in this week to find out!Email
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Episode 181
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28:28
July Mailbag | Recasting, RMDs, and More!
This week Ross and Dan dive into the mailbag to find what books they missed, whether recasting a mortgage is worth it (debate style) and how to calculate an RMD. Want your question on the show? Email us at
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Episode 180
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34:35
Beach Reads: Summer Reading List
What has been on the recent reading list for Ross and Dan, and should you considering adding it to your beach reads? We'll give you our take so you can decide if you should give it your time.Send your questions for Check Your Balances t...
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Episode 179
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28:38
Bobby Bonilla Day
This week Ross and Dan dive into a deal that Bobby Bonilla made in 1999 that will continue to pay him a reported $1.19 million per year until 2035. Why would the Mets make that deal, and who was the big winner? Tune in to find out!Send ...
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Episode 178
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27:19
Cranky Advisors: A Rant Episode
This week Ross and Dan unleash the fury on unnecessary products being sold to people that simply don't need them. Tune in to make sure you think about the right considerations when an annuity salesman turns their sights on you.Send ques...
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Episode 177
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22:47
June Mailbag: Inherited IRAs, Trusts, and Part-time Planning
This week Ross and Dan tackle listener questions about how Inherited IRAs are taxed, who needs a trust and why, as well as whether financial planning could be a part time venture. All that, and Dan's pool getting opened in this week's mailbag!<...
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Episode 175
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26:04
Reckless Predictions
Ranging from where the market goes from here to radical Bitcoinization of the monetary system, this week's show is dedicated to Ross and Dan weighing in on a series of reckless predictions.Check this episode out on
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Episode 174
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35:22
Mo' Valuation with Brian Feroldi
This week we welcome financial content creator and author, Brian Feroldi, back to the show. Learn why the P/E ratio is a sloppy metric at face value. What metrics should you use depending on what stage of life a business is in? Tune in to find ...
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Episode 173
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35:57
May Mailbag: Credit, Share Count, and Rollovers
Could being an authorized user on a business credit card really affect your credit, even if you're not on the hook for the debt? This week Ross and Dan dive into the mailbag to give genuine reactions and advice to listener questions. Se...
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Episode 172
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30:39
Paycheck to Paycheck
This week Ross and Dan explore a common term that is being used increasingly liberally. What does "Paycheck to Paycheck" really mean, and are American's really in as much trouble as a
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Episode 171
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27:32
Public Access to Private Companies
This week, Ross and Dan discuss a (frothy) way that you can access a private company through a public market investment. Whether you should or not is totally up to you. There is also some additional can kicking on IRS guidance around RMDs.<...
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Episode 170
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27:20