Tag: Jim Kruzan
New Rules, New Strategies: The OBBBA & Education Planning – Part I (Ep. 42)

New Rules, New Strategies: The OBBBA & Education Planning – Part I (Ep. 42)

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For many families, education and retirement happen on the same financial timeline. 

The dollars that help a child chase their dreams can just as easily be the dollars that shape your future. That’s why recent education reforms deserve your attention, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or planning for your own education journey.

In part one of this special two-part series, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores how the new “One Big Beautiful Bill” reshapes education funding and why it matters for your retirement strategy. From expanded Pell Grants and FAFSA shifts to 529 ownership strategies and lifetime borrowing caps, Jim unpacks what’s changing and how to plan with clarity, not guesswork.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How new student loan rules can affect long-term cash flow
  • Why 529 ownership decisions can influence aid eligibility
  • The ripple effects of tuition planning on retirement savings
  • What the Education Choice for Children Act could mean for families
  • And more!

Resources:

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Feeling The Market Jitters? Here’s How To Take Control (Ep. 39)

Feeling The Market Jitters? Here’s How To Take Control (Ep. 39)

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When markets drop, most people freeze or flee. But what if the smartest move isn’t to retreat, but to go on offense?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®,  unpacks why volatile markets can be a gift to strategic investors who know how to capitalize on short-term fear for long-term gain.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®,  walks listeners through how understanding market patterns, managing risk, and applying proactive investment tactics can turn turbulence into opportunity. Whether you’re accumulating wealth or distributing it in retirement, this episode explains why downturns don’t need to derail your plan—in fact, they might be just what your portfolio needs.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

  • Why market volatility is not only normal, but expected, and how understanding this can help you avoid emotional decisions
  • Why downturns can create ideal conditions for Roth conversions and how to execute them strategically
  • Why rebalancing during market declines can improve long-term returns by systematically buying low and selling high
  • Why dollar-cost averaging and front-loading investment contributions can turn volatility into an advantage
  • And more!

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5 Signs You Should Ditch DIY Retirement Planning (Ep. 38)

5 Signs You Should Ditch DIY Retirement Planning (Ep. 38)

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What are the clear signs it’s time to stop DIYing your retirement planning? 

Here are the five indicators that call for professional guidance.

Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the complexities of retirement planning. With his wealth of experience, he explores when it’s best to transition from self-management to professional advice. 

This episode offers universal insights for anyone considering a DIY approach to retirement planning.

Key discussion points include:

  • The complexities of growing income and savings [00:01:21]
  • The challenge of managing time as life grows busier [00:04:09]
  • Emotional influences on financial decisions [00:08:32]
  • Understanding the unknown pitfalls in planning [00:12:27]
  • The value of getting professional help as you approach retirement [00:16:14]
  • And more!

Resources:

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How Tariffs Can Impact Your Investments and Retirement Plan (Ep. 37)

How Tariffs Can Impact Your Investments and Retirement Plan (Ep. 37)

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What do tariffs mean for your retirement savings and investments? Is it still okay to retire right now?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, tackles the often-overlooked world of tariffs and their unexpected impact on your financial future. Whether you’re decades away from retirement or just around the corner, understanding these global financial levers can be crucial.

Key conversations in this release include:

  • What tariffs are and why governments use them [00:01:39]
  • The historical and economic implications of tariffs, from paperclips to major industries [00:05:17]
  • How tariffs affect market volatility and retirement planning [00:13:14]
  • Real-world examples of tariffs’ ripple effects on local economies [00:24:37]
  • Strategies for retirees and pre-retirees to navigate these turbulent waters [00:24:51]

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Unmasking AI Scams with Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep.36)

Unmasking AI Scams with Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep.36)

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How can artificial intelligence threaten your retirement savings? 

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes former FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza, an expert in cybercrime and fraud prevention, to discuss how AI-driven scams could affect your financial security. 

Jeff shares eye-opening insights on various AI-driven scams, including phishing emails, romance scams, and the rise of deep fakes. They discuss how these scams exploit seniors and take advantage of technological naivety. 

Learn valuable tips on how to safeguard yourself and your loved ones as this episode highlights:

  • (00:03:38) AI-driven phishing scams and targeting retirees
  • (00:05:43) Real-world examples of convincing scam techniques
  • (00:07:32) The persistence and psychology behind romance scams
  • (00:17:17) The exponential growth of AI technology in scam strategies
  • (00:19:46) Understanding deep fakes and their role in deception
  • (00:25:42) The chilling reality of fake personas infiltrating companies

Resources:

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About  Jeff Lanza: 

Jeff Lanza has been described as the “# 1 FBI Agent Keynote Speaker” and “A Phenomenal Presenter.” He was an FBI agent for over 20 years and is a cybersecurity and identity theft expert. Jeff has provided hundreds of presentations to financial advisors and their clients on cyber security and identity theft prevention. They have been a great hit with clients! His presentation on body language is similarly a hit with financial advisors and others.

Jeff was an FBI Special Agent for over 20 years. He investigated cybercrime, fraud, organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism. He appears regularly on CNBC’s Closing Bell and Power Lunch, the Fox News Channel, and has appeared on Larry King Live, the Today Show, and Good Morning America. He has lectured at Princeton University and at Harvard University. He is a published author of two critically acclaimed books and he consulted for Oscar-winning movie director Ang Lee. Jeff has presented around the globe and in 49 U.S. States.

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Making Financial Resolutions Stick (Ep. 34)

Making Financial Resolutions Stick (Ep. 34)

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Starting the year with financial resolutions is common, but making them stick is the real challenge. 

How can you ensure your goals turn into lasting habits?

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, explores strategies to set realistic financial resolutions and sustain them. He provides actionable insights on how to turn resolutions into habits, prioritize effectively, and build accountability systems for long-term success.

Jim discusses:

  • Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) financial goals for lasting success
  • How reflection on past achievements and failures can shape better goals
  • The importance of accountability partners and incremental progress in achieving resolutions
  • Strategies to manage competing priorities and select high-impact financial goals
  • Practical examples like saving for retirement, reducing debt, and establishing emergency funds
  • And more!

Resources:

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The Most Impactful #BiggerBolderRetirement Discussions of the Year (Ep.33)

The Most Impactful #BiggerBolderRetirement Discussions of the Year (Ep.33)

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It’s time to reflect on the invaluable insights from the very best episodes throughout the year, featuring top experts who simplify financial complexities and share actionable strategies.

Join Jim Kruzan as he delves into unforgettable conversations and key takeaways from guests like Becky Eisen on aging with dignity, Dr. Jacqueline B. James on life well-lived beyond retirement, and cybersecurity expert Jeff Lanza on safeguarding your assets in the digital age.

Key conversations include:

  • The early signs of aging and plan with informed decision-making for long-term care
  • Rediscover retirement not just by numbers but as a joyous, redefined life stage with insights from Dr. Jacqueline B. James
  • Safeguarding your wealth from cyber threats with strategies from Jeff Lanza and Jessica Rice
  • Prenups and Postnups: Julia Black’s explanation about how these agreements can protect your assets + why postnuptial agreements may not always hold up in court

Resources:

 

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Strategies for Investors as Trump Begins His Second Term (Ep.32)

Strategies for Investors as Trump Begins His Second Term (Ep.32)

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How have markets historically reacted to a change in U.S. presidency, and what can you do to safeguard your future investments?  

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, understanding the market dynamics and economic policies becomes critical—let’s delve into what this means for your financial strategy.

As markets show mixed reactions to the news of Trump’s re-election, it’s crucial to explore what these changes mean for both your investments and the economy at large. Throughout this episode, we delve into historical patterns, current market trends, and outline key strategies to help you prepare for potential shifts. 

Key conversations include:

  • Historical analysis of how markets react to shifts in presidential power provides foundational knowledge for investors
  • Understanding sector-specific impacts on energy, defense, and technology
  • Inflation, interest rates, and tariffs being critical economic factors; understanding their implications to adjust your strategy accordingly
  • Retaining flexibility in your investment strategy, prioritizing diversification, and staying informed to align with evolving market conditions

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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