Tag: Retirement Planning
Navigating Uncertainty: Election Outcomes & Your Investment Strategy (Ep. 25)

Navigating Uncertainty: Election Outcomes & Your Investment Strategy (Ep. 25)

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What does the upcoming presidential election mean for your portfolio?

Join David Koren from RVA Wealth Management for Episode 25 of the Unleash Your Retirement podcast as he delves into the dynamics of the current election cycle and its potential impact on your investments. David provides a refreshing perspective, emphasizing why the broad market fundamentals and your risk tolerance should guide your investment decisions – not transient political events or election outcomes.

In this episode, David talks about:

  • (03:22) How historical patterns show that markets prefer a divided government for stability
  • (08:47) Why staying invested long-term is more beneficial than reacting to political shifts
  • (11:37) The significance of keeping investments aligned with your personal risk tolerance
  • (26:30) The innovations in AI and their potential effects on future markets
  • And more

Tune in and find out why politics may not be the main driver for market performance and why staying focused on your financial strategy might be the best choice in uncertain times.

For further advice and to get in touch with us, visit rvawealthmanagement.com.

Connect with David Koren: 

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2024 Mid-Year Stock Market Update with Mike Smith (Ep. 24)

2024 Mid-Year Stock Market Update with Mike Smith (Ep. 24)

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AI is transforming industries at a rapid pace—and it’s impacting your investments more than you might think.

Join David Koren as he sits down with colleague and seasoned portfolio manager Mike Smith to dissect the 2024 mid-year market update. With insights into the performance of the S&P 500, bond market, and the heavy influence of tech giants. Gain a better understanding of current market dynamics, the profound impact of burgeoning sectors like AI on future trends, and more!

David and Mike discuss: 

  • The S&P 500’s performance so far in 2024 with a focus on the big six tech giants.
  • The semiconductor sector’s significant outperformance due to AI advancements.
  • Structural shifts in the market, including the impact of massive corporate share buybacks.
  • Forward-looking discussion on how AI is poised to revolutionize numerous industries and everyday life
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Mike Smith:

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Is Downsizing Right for You? With Gordon Laroussini (Ep. 23)

Is Downsizing Right for You? With Gordon Laroussini (Ep. 23)

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Selling and moving on from a family home can be an emotional process. 

However, later in life, downsizing can offer you a better lifestyle and give you more options in terms of freedom.

Join David Koren alongside special guest Gordon Laroussini, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist for a discussion about the current real estate market and options for seniors looking to downsize. Learn about the process of downsizing, the past and present state of the market, and how to navigate the emotional and practical aspects of selling a longtime family home. Additionally, hear real life stories and examples about independent living options and how these communities can enhance quality of life for seniors.

David and Gordon discuss: 

  • The current state of the real estate market, specifically in Richmond and its impacts on sellers and buyers
  • The role of a senior real estate specialist and the unique services they provide
  • Emotional and practical reasons for downsizing, including decluttering, social opportunities, and financial gain
  • Independent living vs assisted living and their unique benefits 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with David Koren: 

Connect with Gordon Laroussini:

REMAX Commonwealth 200 Westgate Pkwy, Henrico, VA 23233 Licensed in the State of Virginia, Equal Housing Office #804-360-5200

About our Guest: 

Gordon Laroussini is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist dedicated to fostering a robust and engaged community in RVA, driven by his passion for creating a better environment for families. Embracing his role as an advocate for both quality offerings in the market and the enhancement of the RVA community, Gordon consistently endeavors to address the needs of those around him.

Under his brand, “Downsizing, The Next Generation,” Gordon focuses on supporting families seeking to transition to smaller homes, 55+ communities, or independent/assisted living arrangements. This initiative not only provides opportunities for first-time buyers but also offers avenues for individuals to invest in properties that may benefit from a little tender loving care. Through his efforts, Gordon strives to facilitate smoother transitions and enrich the lives of families within the RVA community.

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A Clear Path to Decluttering With Amanda Scudder (Ep. 22)

A Clear Path to Decluttering With Amanda Scudder (Ep. 22)

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Do you ever feel like your home is too cluttered?

Perhaps you are downsizing and with every room you enter, you realize how much stuff you have accumulated over the years and don’t know what to do with it all.

Listen as Amanda Scudder joins David Koren to dive into the business of decluttering, especially as it relates to downsizing later in life. Amanda, a certified professional organizer with a wealth of experience in tackling hoarding situations, shares her insights on overcoming the clutter challenge. This episode will not only educate but empower you to tackle your own spaces with confidence and clarity.

David and Amanda discuss: 

  • The psychological reasons behind why we hang on to items we no longer use and how to overcome them
  • Practical steps and how to use the acronym C.L.E.A.R. to guide the decluttering process
  • Strategies for deciding what items to keep or to throw away while considering sentimental value
  • Ways to responsibly dispose of, donate, or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose in your life
  • And more!

Resources:

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Connect with Amanda Scudder:

About our Guest: 

Amanda Scudder is a Certified Professional Organizer, boasting certificates in challenging disorganization, hoarding, and ADHD. She holds a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University and a Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Alongside her organizational expertise, she excels as a freelance writer, offering top-notch services in writing, editing, and proofreading for various purposes, including reports, resumes, cover letters, dating profiles, web content, and beyond.

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Exploring Educational 529 Plans With Caleb Vaughan CFP® (Ep 21)

Exploring Educational 529 Plans With Caleb Vaughan CFP® (Ep 21)

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Uncover the full potential of 529 plans for helping your family’s educational and financial future!

This week on Unleash Your Retirement David Koren jumps into the intricacies of 529 education savings plans with Caleb Vaughan, RVA Wealth Management’s in-house 529 expert. Listen to gain insights into how these plans work, the benefits they offer, and the strategies for maximizing their use—all aimed at supporting educational aspirations and the financial well-being of up-and-coming generations.

David and Caleb discuss: 

  • The basics and benefits of 529 plans, including tax advantages and usage across states
  • Navigating the selection process for the right 529 plan, including state-sponsored versus advisor-assisted plans
  • Strategies for enhancing the tax efficiency and potential growth of 529 plans
  • Overcoming common misconceptions and what to do when a beneficiary decides not to use the funds
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Koren: 

Connect with Caleb Vaughan:

About our Guest: 

Caleb is a CFP® and brings with him a wealth of financial planning knowledge to the firm. Caleb specializes in developing creative solutions for our clients’ most complex problems. Caleb was attracted to RVA Wealth Management because of the firm’s focus on delivering an engaging, highly personalized client experience and its commitment to the highest standard of integrity.
Originally from Mechanicsville, Virginia, Caleb obtained his B.S. from Virginia Tech and spent nearly 6 years serving clients at a prominent wealth management firm in Greensboro, North Carolina. Caleb and his wife Jenny decided to move back home to be closer to family after the birth of their second daughter.

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Exploring the World of Travel Planning With Shawn Cordle (Ep. #20)

Exploring the World of Travel Planning With Shawn Cordle (Ep. #20)

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Are you ready to explore the world in retirement but unsure where to start? 

Join David Koren this week as he dives into the exciting world of travel planning with special guest, Shawn Cordle from AAA Travel.

This episode covers the joys of travel in retirement and the importance of making memories through exploring new destinations and experiences. Shawn shares her insights on travel planning, the benefits of group tours, and the transformative power of creating lasting memories through exploring the world with loved ones.

David and Shawn discuss: 

  • The significance of travel in retirement for making lasting memories and enjoying the money you saved
  • The advantages of group tours for convenience, comfort, and well-orchestrated travel experiences
  • Different travel destinations based on cost as well as for their unique cultural offerings
  • Budgeting tips for traveling affordably and creating unforgettable multi-generational trips
  • And more

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Connect with Shawn Cordle:

About our Guest: 

Shawn has been a travel agent at AAA Travel Mid-Atlantic for 14 years. Her passion for travel goes beyond just doing it herself. She prides herself on helping families plan their dream vacations without having to stress over every detail, ensuring they can enjoy every moment.

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Mortgage Mastery: Navigating Interest Rates With Russ Nash (Ep.19)

Mortgage Mastery: Navigating Interest Rates With Russ Nash (Ep.19)

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Looking to explore how mortgage interest rates impact your home-buying decisions? 

Join David Koren as he and Russ Nash from George Mason Mortgage share valuable insights on navigating mortgage interest rates for primary, vacation, and investment properties. Gain a deeper understanding of construction loans, refinancing strategies, and how to optimize your home-buying decisions.

David & Russ discuss: 

  • Mortgage interest rates
  • Refinancing strategies
  • Investment properties
  • Construction loans
  • Asset depletion 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with David Koren: 

Connect with Russ Nash:

About our Guest: 

Russell Nash has been working in the mortgage field for the last 25 years and is currently a branch manager at George Mason Mortgage, LLC NMLS #327463. Whether you’re moving into your first home, moving up to something bigger, building, renovating, or refinancing your current mortgage, he prides himself on being able to help you build a brighter future. He is committed to providing clients with prompt and transparent communication, excellent customer service, competitive rates, programs and fees, and service even after settlement.

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Empowering Financial Advice for Women with Robin Colton (Ep. 18)

Empowering Financial Advice for Women with Robin Colton (Ep. 18)

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Despite strides in equality, many women still face unique challenges when it comes to managing their finances and planning for retirement.

In the latest episode of Unleash Your Retirement, David Koren sits down with his colleague and friend, Robin Colton for a candid conversation about the barriers female clients often face within the financial industry. By addressing the importance of education and finding advisors who respect women’s unique financial needs, this podcast serves as a beacon for women looking to navigate the complexities of finance with assurance and wisdom. David and Robin explore practical strategies and insights that may empower women to become more involved in financial decision-making, especially as they are poised to control a significant portion of stock market wealth in the coming years.

David and Robin discuss:

  • Importance of women in managing finances and retirement planning
    Strategies for education and finding quality advisors
    Challenges women face in the world of finance
    Empowering women
    And more

Resources:

Connect With David Koren:

Connect With Robin Colton:

About Our Guest:

Robin Colton delivers personalized financial advice to clients to achieve goals, today and tomorrow.

Robin takes the time to understand what’s truly important to you. She documents clients’ goals, tracks their progress, and makes ongoing recommendations to help diversify their portfolio, and adjust it to whatever life brings — both the expected and the unexpected.

No matter who you are, Robin can help you feel confident, connected, and always in control of your financial life.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory” or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services, RVA Wealth Management, and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

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The Role Your Financial Advisor Plays in Managing Your Wealth (Ep. 17)

The Role Your Financial Advisor Plays in Managing Your Wealth (Ep. 17)

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Considering getting a financial advisor but don’t know if it’s worth it? 

We feel like we’re family here at RVA Wealth, and when a client comes in, we become a part of their family too, and that’s a very important aspect of being an effective wealth manager.

This week on Unleash Your Retirement, David Koren and Michael P. Smith, CFP®, discuss financial advisors’ important role in wealth management. They explore the importance of establishing a strong, long-term relationship with clients, and discuss complex issues such as estate planning and assisted living. They emphasize proactive planning to help avoid probate, the benefits of comprehensive financial planning, and the importance of working with a fiduciary consultant to help clients and their families manage their wealth.

David and Michael discuss: 

  • The role of financial advisors in wealth management
  • How financial advisors become an extension of their client’s families
  • What probate is and how proactive financial planning could help you avoid it
  • Their personal anecdotes and experiences in financial planning
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with David Koren: 

Connect with Michael P. Smith:

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2024 Outlook: A Discussion on Investment Opportunities and Potential Concerns (Ep. 16)

2024 Outlook: A Discussion on Investment Opportunities and Potential Concerns (Ep. 16)

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2023 was quite an eventful year, and it unexpectedly finished with strong market returns. But what were the major contributors? And more importantly, what can we expect moving forward?

Let’s reflect on these questions with David Koren, MBA, ChFC®, CLU®, and Michael P. Smith, CFP®. Together, they explore the key factors shaping the financial landscape for 2024, highlighting both opportunities and concerns.

David and Mike discuss: 

  • Recent trends for stocks, bonds, and the US economy
  • The potential economic impact of AI across industries, including financial services
  • How RVA Wealth Management is leveraging AI to improve client services
  • Key implications of the Federal Reserve’s actions
  • Investment opportunities to consider in 2024
  • And more!

Connect with David Koren: 

Connect with Michael P. Smith:

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