Have you ever wondered how Federal Reserve's interest rate changes can affect the market? Well, Kevin Caron, a seasoned Portfolio Manager from Washington Crossing Advisors, drops by to decode the world of finance. With his in-depth knowledge and expertise, we explore current cash, bond, and stock environments, and discuss the impact that interest changes have on the market. Moreover, Kevin also unravels the potential benefits that can be reaped by savers due to these increases.

As we delve deeper into the complexities of the financial world, we discuss the challenges that young investors might encounter in today's market. The soaring prices of stocks, the looming prospect of the stock market taking a pause, and the impact of the top seven stocks on the S&P 500 are all examined. Guiding us through this labyrinth, Kevin shares advice on how to kick-start the investment journey and navigate the potential obstacles. We also scrutinize the lucrative potential of treasury bonds as a retirement investment strategy and contemplate the effects of inflation and interest rates on bonds.

In the final part of our enlightening discussion, we question the conventional growth and value investing paradigm. Could the mentality of a bond investor unlock a more effective way to make investment decisions? Kevin offers a unique perspective on this, suggesting that looking at companies as being high quality or low quality, much like a bond investor would, could simplify investment decisions. Wrapping up, we also touch upon the importance of portfolio diversification and the invaluable role of professional money managers. So, tune in to gain insights and tips on navigating the financial markets, and equip yourself with tools for a secure financial future.

Want to uncover the hidden potential of 529 plans and the new twists introduced by the Secure Act 2.0? Wondering how this could be the game changer in your child's college fund or even your first-time home purchase? Then this episode is a goldmine waiting to be discovered. We unpack the quirks and benefits of 529 plans, investment plans that not only allow you to save for a beneficiary but also let you withdraw tax-free. We also delve into the changes brought by Secure Act 2.0, particularly how it now allows grandparents to contribute more towards their grandchild's college fund and the opportunities it presents for the Roth IRA.

In the second half of this insightful conversation, we turn our spotlight to the benefits of both Roth IRAs and 529 plans, and how they can be instrumental in funding your child's private K-12 education. We also crack open the 'Rule of 72', a simple yet powerful way to calculate the compounding effect of your investments over time. Further, we reveal how the Secure Act has widened the gates for parents to access their Roth IRA and the unique advantages of 529 plans, including tax-free withdrawals and the control they accord you over your funds.

To conclude, we navigate the maze of managing 529 plans and the value of a robust financial planning strategy. Our team stands ready to help you make sense of 529 plans and other financial products, without any sales pressure. We also touch on important disclosures regarding our branch office, and the services offered through Oseic Wealth Incorporated and New Century Financial Group LLC. As always, we recommend seeking the counsel of a tax specialist for personalized advice. So, buckle up for this journey of financial enlightenment.

Have you ever considered how to ensure your financial accounts' safety? Let's discuss the importance of trusted contacts in maintaining financial security. The Finra Rule 2165 is specifically designed to protect individuals over 65 years old or with a mental disability. We will also cover common scams targeting seniors and why keeping your trusted contacts up-to-date is crucial. We will also share real-life examples that illustrate how trusted contacts can safeguard clients.

FINRA Video for Trusted Contact
NCFG - Blog Post on Trusted Contact