Brian Skrobonja goes through the five questions you need to answer to gauge how prepared you are for retirement. He covers the benefits of having a detailed income plan, how to design a comprehensive tax strategy, and what it takes to enjoy your retirement without constantly second-guessing your financial decisions. <ul> <li>Brian starts the conversation by explaining why retirement is more than just a financial milestone. It's a complete shift in how you use money and approach life.</li> <li>According to Brian, setting a retirement date before having an optimized retirement plan is like quitting a job before you have another one lined up.</li> <li>Retirement isn't just about having money in the bank or having an investment account. It's about understanding how that money converts into consistent, reliable income that can support your lifestyle for decades.</li> <li>Retirement's a great thing--and it could be very good, but you need to be prepared.</li> <li>Brian goes over the questions that gauge how well prepared you are for retirement.</li> <li>Do you have a detailed income plan? Too many retirees assume that their portfolio will increase in value in a straight line and last forever.</li> <li>The problem with assumptions is that it leads to gaps. And even a small gap in your expenses or income can compound into significant financial stress over time.</li> <li>For Brian, if you haven't taken the time to answer the hard questions about how much you'll need, where that money will come from, and how taxes and inflation will affect it, you're setting yourself up for a lot of uncertainty--and uncertainty is the last thing you want in retirement.</li> <li>When you're working, your paycheck funds your lifestyle. In retirement, your assets become your paycheck.</li> <li>The most important part of planning for retirement is knowing your number--How much money it will take to sustain your ideal retirement lifestyle.</li> <li>Brian explains how retirees can develop the confidence to enjoy their retirement without constantly second-guessing their financial decisions.</li> <li>Social Security is often viewed as a cornerstone of retirement income, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.</li> <li>According to Brian, people assume Social Security will cover a significant portion of their expenses, but the reality is that Social Security is designed to only supplement your income, not replace it.</li> <li>Brian highlights how continuing to work in some capacity in retirement can provide a sense of purpose and help you remain connected to your community.</li> <li>Brian talks about the benefits of purposefully organizing your assets.</li> <li>He shares how categorizing your assets into three buckets--immediate income, long-term growth, and cash reserves--can help ensure your money works seamlessly to support your life, goals, and dreams.</li> <li>Brian explores the benefits of having a tax strategy.</li> <li>Taxes can erode your retirement savings faster than you think. They’re not as brutal as market volatility or inflation, but their impact can be just as significant.</li> <li>Without a proactive tax strategy, you're leaving the door wide open for the IRS to take more of your hard-earned money than necessary.</li> <li>For Brian, one of the best ways to manage taxes is to strategically time your withdrawals. This might mean pulling from your taxable and tax deferred accounts first, leaving your Roth IRA for last.</li> <li>Understand that taxes aren't just a problem to solve, they're an opportunity to optimize.</li> <li>Brian answers a question most retirees ignore: if something happens to you, will your spouse be financially secure.</li> <li>A great place to start answering this question is Social Security Optimization. The timing of when you or your spouse claim Social Security benefits can significantly impact the survivor benefits.</li> <li>Brian talks about estate planning and why you need to keep your documents up to date.</li> <li>Without regular updates, the documents meant to protect your wishes and your loved ones can unintentionally cause stress, confusion, or worse, legal disputes.</li> </ul>     Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BrianSkrobonja.com</a> <a href="http://www.skrobonjafinancial.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">SkrobonjaFinancial.com</a> <a href="http://www.skrobonjawealth.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">SkrobonjaWealth.com</a> <a href="https://buildbanking.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BUILDbanking.com</a> Common Sense Financial Podcast on <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@commonsensefinancial1603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>  Common Sense Financial Podcast on <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2KfKK4bSOB2RMhC8kouozS?si=1df1de5d54864b00" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>     Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. It is not possible to invest in an index. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.  Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.  This show is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.   This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.  Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.  The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Endowment funds are managed for institutions not individuals. An endowment-like strategy is not an endowment or an endowment fund.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Brian Skrobonja goes through the five questions you need to answer to gauge how prepared you are for retirement.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;He covers the benefits of having a detailed income plan, how to design a comprehensive tax strategy, and what it takes to enjoy your retirement without constantly second-guessing your financial decisions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian starts the conversation by explaining why retirement is more than just a financial milestone. It's a complete shift in how you use money and approach life.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;According to Brian, setting a retirement date before having an optimized retirement plan is like quitting a job before you have another one lined up.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Retirement isn't just about having money in the bank or having an investment account. It's about understanding how that money converts into consistent, reliable income that can support your lifestyle for decades.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Retirement's a great thing--and it could be very good, but you need to be prepared.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian goes over the questions that gauge how well prepared you are for retirement.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Do you have a detailed income plan? Too many retirees assume that their portfolio will increase in value in a straight line and last forever.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The problem with assumptions is that it leads to gaps. And even a small gap in your expenses or income can compound into significant financial stress over time.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;For Brian, if you haven't taken the time to answer the hard questions about how much you'll need, where that money will come from, and how taxes and inflation will affect it, you're setting yourself up for a lot of uncertainty--and uncertainty is the last thing you want in retirement.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;When you're working, your paycheck funds your lifestyle. In retirement, your assets become your paycheck.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The most important part of planning for retirement is knowing your number--How much money it will take to sustain your ideal retirement lifestyle.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian explains how retirees can develop the confidence to enjoy their retirement without constantly second-guessing their financial decisions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Social Security is often viewed as a cornerstone of retirement income, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;According to Brian, people assume Social Security will cover a significant portion of their expenses, but the reality is that Social Security is designed to only supplement your income, not replace it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian highlights how continuing to work in some capacity in retirement can provide a sense of purpose and help you remain connected to your community.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian talks about the benefits of purposefully organizing your assets.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;He shares how categorizing your assets into three buckets--immediate income, long-term growth, and cash reserves--can help ensure your money works seamlessly to support your life, goals, and dreams.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian explores the benefits of having a tax strategy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Taxes can erode your retirement savings faster than you think. They’re not as brutal as market volatility or inflation, but their impact can be just as significant.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Without a proactive tax strategy, you're leaving the door wide open for the IRS to take more of your hard-earned money than necessary.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;For Brian, one of the best ways to manage taxes is to strategically time your withdrawals. This might mean pulling from your taxable and tax deferred accounts first, leaving your Roth IRA for last.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Understand that taxes aren't just a problem to solve, they're an opportunity to optimize.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian answers a question most retirees ignore: if something happens to you, will your spouse be financially secure.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;A great place to start answering this question is Social Security Optimization. The timing of when you or your spouse claim Social Security benefits can significantly impact the survivor benefits.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian talks about estate planning and why you need to keep your documents up to date.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Without regular updates, the documents meant to protect your wishes and your loved ones can unintentionally cause stress, confusion, or worse, legal disputes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BrianSkrobonja.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.skrobonjafinancial.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;SkrobonjaFinancial.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.skrobonjawealth.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;SkrobonjaWealth.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://buildbanking.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BUILDbanking.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Common Sense Financial Podcast on &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@commonsensefinancial1603" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Common Sense Financial Podcast on &lt;a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2KfKK4bSOB2RMhC8kouozS?si=1df1de5d54864b00" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &amp;SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. It is not possible to invest in an index. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.  This show is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.  &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Endowment funds are managed for institutions not individuals. An endowment-like strategy is not an endowment or an endowment fund.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Brian Skrobonja goes through the five questions you need to answer to gauge how prepared you are for retirement. He covers the benefits of having a detailed income plan, how to design a comprehensive tax strategy, and what it takes to enjoy your...

How Prepared Are You For Retirement?

Many people accumulate their wealth in a bank or a long-term investment, and this may create problems. But there is a different strategy. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the Build Banking strategy and how you can consider a different banking paradigm using specially designed life insurance policies that allow you to start banking on yourself. <ul> <li>Most people know that banks use other people’s money to generate profits. This process is known as Fractional Reserve Banking, which is basically the bank using the spread between interest rates to profit.</li> <li>For banks, it goes a little deeper. Banks can loan out the money they have on deposit to people, and those dollars are then deposited again, which begins the cycle anew. This process acts as a money-printing machine within the economy.</li> <li>Banks aren’t currently required to hold any reserves to cover their customer’s deposits. The result of Fractional Reserve Banking is the expansion of the money supply which contributes to increased inflation.</li> <li>Silicon Valley Bank recently found itself in trouble and was unable to cover its liabilities leaving depositors to rely on the government to bail them out.</li> <li>It’s not realistic to be able to bypass the banking system entirely, but there are ways to take control of how you save and store money with a personal bank-like strategy.</li> <li>Build Banking uses a specially designed whole life insurance policy that’s built on the inherent tax-favored nature and unique capabilities of those policies.</li> <li>What makes Build Banking different is the design allows for rapid cash accumulation with uninterrupted tax-free growth, while having access to cash without having to rely on banks or Wall Street, but you have to set aside your preconceptions around life insurance.</li> <li>The challenge is the language around life insurance policies and how most people understand what they are capable of.</li> <li>With traditional banking, you either accumulate money and spend or borrow and then repay it. The Build Banking method offers a different strategy with a specially designed life insurance system that allows you to take back some of the control.</li> <li>Not all policies are the same and loan features can vary greatly, so it’s important to work with a professional with experience in this area.</li> <li>The main benefit of the Build Banking strategy is the ability to have your money remain in the policy and continue to grow uninterrupted, while simultaneously using a policy loan from the insurance company for personal use.</li> <li>A business owner has an extra advantage because they can leverage the loan in their business, creating both an internal and external return.</li> <li>This strategy also gives the policy owner a lot of control over how and when the loan is repaid because of the nature of the life insurance policy. </li> </ul>     Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BrianSkrobonja.com</a> <a href="https://buildbanking.com/">BuildBanking.com</a>     BUILD Banking™️ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance. The term BUILD Banking™️, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™️ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. Any references to protection, safety or guarantees, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions and views expressed here are for informational purposes only. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advisor for such guidance. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Many people accumulate their wealth in a bank or a long-term investment, and this may create problems.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;But there is a different strategy.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the Build Banking strategy and how you can consider a different banking paradigm using specially designed life insurance policies that allow you to start banking on yourself.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Most people know that banks use other people’s money to generate profits. This process is known as Fractional Reserve Banking, which is basically the bank using the spread between interest rates to profit.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;For banks, it goes a little deeper. Banks can loan out the money they have on deposit to people, and those dollars are then deposited again, which begins the cycle anew. This process acts as a money-printing machine within the economy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Banks aren’t currently required to hold any reserves to cover their customer’s deposits. The result of Fractional Reserve Banking is the expansion of the money supply which contributes to increased inflation.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Silicon Valley Bank recently found itself in trouble and was unable to cover its liabilities leaving depositors to rely on the government to bail them out.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;It’s not realistic to be able to bypass the banking system entirely, but there are ways to take control of how you save and store money with a personal bank-like strategy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Build Banking uses a specially designed whole life insurance policy that’s built on the inherent tax-favored nature and unique capabilities of those policies.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;What makes Build Banking different is the design allows for rapid cash accumulation with uninterrupted tax-free growth, while having access to cash without having to rely on banks or Wall Street, but you have to set aside your preconceptions around life insurance.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The challenge is the language around life insurance policies and how most people understand what they are capable of.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;With traditional banking, you either accumulate money and spend or borrow and then repay it. The Build Banking method offers a different strategy with a specially designed life insurance system that allows you to take back some of the control.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Not all policies are the same and loan features can vary greatly, so it’s important to work with a professional with experience in this area.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The main benefit of the Build Banking strategy is the ability to have your money remain in the policy and continue to grow uninterrupted, while simultaneously using a policy loan from the insurance company for personal use.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;A business owner has an extra advantage because they can leverage the loan in their business, creating both an internal and external return.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;This strategy also gives the policy owner a lot of control over how and when the loan is repaid because of the nature of the life insurance policy. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BrianSkrobonja.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://buildbanking.com/"&gt;BuildBanking.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;BUILD Banking™️ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The term BUILD Banking™️, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™️ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"&gt;Any references to protection, safety or guarantees, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions and views expressed here are for informational purposes only. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advisor for such guidance.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &amp; SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Many people accumulate their wealth in a bank or a long-term investment, and this may create problems. But there is a different strategy. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the Build Banking...

An In-Depth Breakdown of Privatized Banking aka Build Banking - Replay

Time is your most precious resource, but how you use it is up to you. The shift from earning to retirement can be quite challenging, as you have to thread the needle between income, growth, and time. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the most important mindset shift people need to make in order for their retirement plan to succeed. <ul> <li>It is possible to retire without growth, but it’s impossible to succeed without income. But many people have trouble shifting their mindset from focusing on long-term growth into a consistent and reliable income.</li> <li>When you invest long-term, that means not having to withdraw money from your assets for a long time. But once you enter retirement, your timeline moves from the future to the present.</li> <li>This transition requires a mindset shift to be made before significant progress can be made.</li> <li>Retirement planning is a discovery process that boils down to learning whether or not you have an income gap in retirement and, once that’s discovered, the whole plan is built around replacing that income.</li> <li>Without that number, everything else is a guessing game. If you shortcut this step with estimates, you will only compound the issue downstream.</li> <li>Retirement seems like a simple concept, but it’s surprisingly complex and solving the issue with old ways of thinking will lead you astray.</li> <li>Future performance of investments can’t be determined by looking at the past. An investment doesn’t address the risks you face in retirement. The sooner you figure out that investing is a spoke in a very large wheel, the sooner you can begin to formulate a true retirement roadmap.</li> <li>There are common components for retirement scenarios, like the income gap.</li> <li>There are also common risks that all retirement plans need to account for: sequence of return risk, market risk, interest rate risk, mortality risk, legislative risk, longevity risk, and health risk. All retirement plans should be built around the idea of protecting yourself and mitigating as much risk as you possibly can.</li> <li>Most people’s largest asset is their income, but it’s often not considered for insurance.</li> <li>Confirmation bias can hinder our ability to consider alternative perspectives and make the mindset shifts we need to make in retirement. People can find themselves endlessly searching for experts to tell them that they don’t need to change their strategy in retirement because of our natural need to confirm our beliefs.</li> <li>The more successful a person becomes, the more valuable their time becomes. To preserve those valuable hours, it becomes increasingly more important to surround yourself with professionals to whom you can delegate responsibilities to free up time.</li> <li>Insurance is just a form of delegation. You delegate your risk to the insurance company, which mitigates the risk and increases the quality of your time.</li> <li>Delegating the research and leveraging the experience of a professional in retirement planning can help you leverage your time with confidence.</li> </ul>     Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BrianSkrobonja.com</a>   Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Time is your most precious resource, but how you use it is up to you.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The shift from earning to retirement can be quite challenging, as you have to thread the needle between income, growth, and time.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the most important mindset shift people need to make in order for their retirement plan to succeed.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;It is possible to retire without growth, but it’s impossible to succeed without income. But many people have trouble shifting their mindset from focusing on long-term growth into a consistent and reliable income.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;When you invest long-term, that means not having to withdraw money from your assets for a long time. But once you enter retirement, your timeline moves from the future to the present.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;This transition requires a mindset shift to be made before significant progress can be made.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Retirement planning is a discovery process that boils down to learning whether or not you have an income gap in retirement and, once that’s discovered, the whole plan is built around replacing that income.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Without that number, everything else is a guessing game. If you shortcut this step with estimates, you will only compound the issue downstream.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Retirement seems like a simple concept, but it’s surprisingly complex and solving the issue with old ways of thinking will lead you astray.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Future performance of investments can’t be determined by looking at the past. An investment doesn’t address the risks you face in retirement. The sooner you figure out that investing is a spoke in a very large wheel, the sooner you can begin to formulate a true retirement roadmap.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;There are common components for retirement scenarios, like the income gap.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;There are also common risks that all retirement plans need to account for: sequence of return risk, market risk, interest rate risk, mortality risk, legislative risk, longevity risk, and health risk. All retirement plans should be built around the idea of protecting yourself and mitigating as much risk as you possibly can.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Most people’s largest asset is their income, but it’s often not considered for insurance.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Confirmation bias can hinder our ability to consider alternative perspectives and make the mindset shifts we need to make in retirement. People can find themselves endlessly searching for experts to tell them that they don’t need to change their strategy in retirement because of our natural need to confirm our beliefs.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The more successful a person becomes, the more valuable their time becomes. To preserve those valuable hours, it becomes increasingly more important to surround yourself with professionals to whom you can delegate responsibilities to free up time.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Insurance is just a form of delegation. You delegate your risk to the insurance company, which mitigates the risk and increases the quality of your time.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Delegating the research and leveraging the experience of a professional in retirement planning can help you leverage your time with confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BrianSkrobonja.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &amp; SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Time is your most precious resource, but how you use it is up to you. The shift from earning to retirement can be quite challenging, as you have to thread the needle between income, growth, and time. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial...

Retirement Requires a Shift in Mindset - Replay

“The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes,” someone once told Brian… How does that translate into retirement planning? And how can you help ensure you approach your financial planning for your “golden years” in the best possible way? In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over five retirement mistakes that you should stay away from at all costs, as well as what retirement is actually about. <ul> <li>Brian touches upon something that a very successful person told him when he was getting started with his business back in 1993: ‘The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes.’</li> <li>With his desire to work hard and strong work ethic, Brian quickly became successful. But there was a problem with his approach – Brian opens up about that.</li> <li>Brian shares some of the retirement mistakes he has seen people make in his 30-year career.</li> <li>Having a distorted view of what wealth really is and having what Brian calls “vertical diversification” are two common mistakes Brian has seen over and over again in his career.</li> <li>There are many factors to consider when attempting to diversify. You shouldn’t believe that a bank account and a portfolio of public investments are all that’s available to you as you move your diversification horizontally.</li> <li>Brian points out a common practice to avoid: making an investment decision based on the tax deduction alone.</li> <li>When making decisions regarding how you save money, Brian suggests considering how you’ll ultimately use the money.</li> <li>Brian discusses why you shouldn’t have too much dependency on markets nor having complacency.</li> <li>Brian sees retirement as a balancing act between growing money for the future while drawing income for your retirement needs.</li> </ul>   Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BrianSkrobonja.com</a>   Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.

<description>&lt;p&gt;“The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes,” someone once told Brian…&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;How does that translate into retirement planning? And how can you help ensure you approach your financial planning for your “golden years” in the best possible way?&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over five retirement mistakes that you should stay away from at all costs, as well as what retirement is actually about.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian touches upon something that a very successful person told him when he was getting started with his business back in 1993: ‘The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes.’&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;With his desire to work hard and strong work ethic, Brian quickly became successful. But there was a problem with his approach – Brian opens up about that.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian shares some of the retirement mistakes he has seen people make in his 30-year career.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Having a distorted view of what wealth really is and having what Brian calls “vertical diversification” are two common mistakes Brian has seen over and over again in his career.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;There are many factors to consider when attempting to diversify. You shouldn’t believe that a bank account and a portfolio of public investments are all that’s available to you as you move your diversification horizontally.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian points out a common practice to avoid: making an investment decision based on the tax deduction alone.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;When making decisions regarding how you save money, Brian suggests considering how you’ll ultimately use the money.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian discusses why you shouldn’t have too much dependency on markets nor having complacency.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian sees retirement as a balancing act between growing money for the future while drawing income for your retirement needs.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BrianSkrobonja.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &amp; SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered  individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be  rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in  place.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you  away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or  lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the  issuing carrier.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole  basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no  statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and  opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

“The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes,” someone once told Brian… How does that translate into retirement planning? And how can you help ensure you approach your financial planning for your “golden years” in the best possible way?...

Avoid Making These 5 Retirement Mistakes - Replay

Brian Skrobonja shares practical tips on year-end tax planning so you can make informed decisions and take control of your financial future. He explains why now is the perfect time to assess your financial situation and the type of strategic moves you can make to reduce your tax liabilities, maximize savings, and enhance your overall financial health. <ul> <li>Brian starts the conversation by revealing the key elements of a well-designed year-end tax planning strategy.</li> <li>Tax planning isn't an April 15th activity. The tax return itself is just a scorecard. For Brian, tax planning goes from January to December of the year you're in.</li> <li>Brian talks about the benefits of being intentional about allocating resources and ensuring you remain in a reasonable tax bracket throughout the year.</li> <li>According to Brian, it’s unfortunate that most tax preparers recommend buying vehicles or equipment to save on taxes. Brian explains how that line of thinking may be costing you money, not saving you money.</li> <li>Brian reveals why he doesn’t defer taxes into retirement accounts.</li> <li>He explains how tax deferral is not a tax saving. For a strategy to be a tax saving, it needs to actually save you taxes. And a tax deferral is not a savings; the word defer gives it away.</li> <li>Brian goes through examples of real tax saving strategies that can reduce your current tax bill, build wealth, and help ensure you don’t have future tax liabilities.</li> <li>Brian talks about the best way to be paid as a business owner.</li> <li>While ordinary income may seem attractive, this form of income is also the highest taxed income in our tax system.</li> <li>Brian explains why business owners should not take ordinary income and instead take profits as a dividend. This can often carry a more favorable tax rate and can lead to some significant tax savings over time.</li> <li>The other mistake Brian sees people make is receiving an income and then making charitable contributions from their personal account. Often, this can result in overpaying on your taxes because of the standard deduction.</li> <li>Brian goes through investment options that carry unique tax benefits and lead to significant reductions in taxable income.</li> <li>The default approach for many people is to receive a salary, defer money into their 401k, pay down debt, and approach retirement with hands off the wheel. Brian explains why sometimes this is leaving money off the table.</li> <li>If you make money, there will be taxes to manage. Any tax-saving strategy you choose to deploy should be done legally and ethically. The good news is that there is nowhere in the tax code that says you have to pay the maximum amount in taxes.</li> <li>Brian highlights the benefits of keeping yourself updated with tax laws. Tax laws are always evolving and being informed about these changes can lead to better decision making.</li> <li>How to help ensure you're taking full advantage of the potential opportunities and the numerous tax benefits available to you.</li> <li>As the year concludes, Brian recommends taking the time to engage in comprehensive tax planning. This can make a meaningful difference in short-term savings and your long-term financial health.</li> </ul>     Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BrianSkrobonja.com</a> <a href="http://www.skrobonjafinancial.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">SkrobonjaFinancial.com</a> <a href="http://www.skrobonjawealth.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">SkrobonjaWealth.com</a> <a href="https://buildbanking.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">BUILDbanking.com</a> Common Sense Financial Podcast on <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@commonsensefinancial1603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>  Common Sense Financial Podcast on <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2KfKK4bSOB2RMhC8kouozS?si=1df1de5d54864b00" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>     Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. It is not possible to invest in an index. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.  This show is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Endowment funds are managed for institutions not individuals. An endowment-like strategy is not an endowment or an endowment fund.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Brian Skrobonja shares practical tips on year-end tax planning so you can make informed decisions and take control of your financial future.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;He explains why now is the perfect time to assess your financial situation and the type of strategic moves you can make to reduce your tax liabilities, maximize savings, and enhance your overall financial health.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian starts the conversation by revealing the key elements of a well-designed year-end tax planning strategy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Tax planning isn't an April 15th activity. The tax return itself is just a scorecard. For Brian, tax planning goes from January to December of the year you're in.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian talks about the benefits of being intentional about allocating resources and ensuring you remain in a reasonable tax bracket throughout the year.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;According to Brian, it’s unfortunate that most tax preparers recommend buying vehicles or equipment to save on taxes. Brian explains how that line of thinking may be costing you money, not saving you money.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian reveals why he doesn’t defer taxes into retirement accounts.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;He explains how tax deferral is not a tax saving. For a strategy to be a tax saving, it needs to actually save you taxes. And a tax deferral is not a savings; the word defer gives it away.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian goes through examples of real tax saving strategies that can reduce your current tax bill, build wealth, and help ensure you don’t have future tax liabilities.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian talks about the best way to be paid as a business owner.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;While ordinary income may seem attractive, this form of income is also the highest taxed income in our tax system.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian explains why business owners should not take ordinary income and instead take profits as a dividend. This can often carry a more favorable tax rate and can lead to some significant tax savings over time.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The other mistake Brian sees people make is receiving an income and then making charitable contributions from their personal account. Often, this can result in overpaying on your taxes because of the standard deduction.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian goes through investment options that carry unique tax benefits and lead to significant reductions in taxable income.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The default approach for many people is to receive a salary, defer money into their 401k, pay down debt, and approach retirement with hands off the wheel. Brian explains why sometimes this is leaving money off the table.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;If you make money, there will be taxes to manage. Any tax-saving strategy you choose to deploy should be done legally and ethically. The good news is that there is nowhere in the tax code that says you have to pay the maximum amount in taxes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Brian highlights the benefits of keeping yourself updated with tax laws. Tax laws are always evolving and being informed about these changes can lead to better decision making.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;How to help ensure you're taking full advantage of the potential opportunities and the numerous tax benefits available to you.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;As the year concludes, Brian recommends taking the time to engage in comprehensive tax planning. This can make a meaningful difference in short-term savings and your long-term financial health.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://brianskrobonja.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BrianSkrobonja.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.skrobonjafinancial.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;SkrobonjaFinancial.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.skrobonjawealth.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;SkrobonjaWealth.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://buildbanking.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;BUILDbanking.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Common Sense Financial Podcast on &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@commonsensefinancial1603" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Common Sense Financial Podcast on &lt;a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2KfKK4bSOB2RMhC8kouozS?si=1df1de5d54864b00" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &amp;SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. It is not possible to invest in an index. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier.  This show is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Endowment funds are managed for institutions not individuals. An endowment-like strategy is not an endowment or an endowment fund.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Brian Skrobonja shares practical tips on year-end tax planning so you can make informed decisions and take control of your financial future. He explains why now is the perfect time to assess your financial situation and the type of strategic moves you...

Year-End Tax Strategies

The Common Sense Financial Podcast is all about finances, mindset and personal growth.  The goal is to help you make smart choices with your money in your home and in your business.  

Some of the podcasts here are historical in nature. They aired before July 1, 2022 and were previously approved by Kalos Capital. The views and statistics discussed in these shows are relevant to that time period and may not be relevant to current events. This is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by the third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

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