Tag: Retirement

FEATURE
Municipal Bonds Unveiled with Matt Bernardi (Ep. 37)

Municipal Bonds Unveiled with Matt Bernardi (Ep. 37)

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There is a big part of the investing world that doesn’t get as much news as equity markets.

But it should.

In this installment of Dollar$ and $ense, Nicole is joined by Matt Bernardi from Bernardi Securities. Together, they demystify the municipal bond market, a key component in funding local infrastructure projects that are vital to our communities. Matt and Nicole expand on how today’s market has weathered the storm of the COVID-19 crisis and the role of stimulus funds in ensuring municipal stability. The discussion extends to the broader economic context, including consumer spending patterns and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, to illustrate their impact on the bond market.

With this episode, you will gain insight into: 

  • The significance of the municipal bond market
  • Resilience and adaptability of municipal credit during and after COVID-19
  • How the Federal Reserve’s actions impact the municipal bond market
  • Pension liabilities and the potential effects of quantitative tightening on bond portfolios
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Matt Bernardi: 

About Our Guest: 

Matt Bernardi joined Bernardi Securities in August of 2013 after trading for 3 years at Chesapeake Partners, a hedge fund located in Baltimore, Maryland. Matt currently assists individuals, pension funds, banks, and other institutions regarding their municipal bond portfolios. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a B.A. in history and economics minor. Matt currently holds the Series 7, 24, 27, 52, 53, 63, and 65 licenses, serves on the Union League Boys & Girls Club investment committee, and is past President of the Associate Board.

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FEATURE
Key Changes in the Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 35)

Key Changes in the Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 35)

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The Secure Act 2.0 is ever-evolving and has brought up some important questions recently, so let’s go over them!

Laurie Kaplan, CPA, partner at Michael Silver, joins Nicole for her second time on the show to continue their discussion about the Secure Act 2.0. Laurie goes over what has been finalized in the act for 2023 and looks ahead to 2024 and 2025. She clears up confusion around various topics including the Required Minimum Distributions when inheriting an IRA, changes in retirement plans, the rules and implications of annuities and IRAs, and the importance of tax planning. Laurie also discusses the new Roth IRA rollover option, the penalty reduction for missed RMDs, and the benefits of having both Roth and traditional IRAs.

Laurie discusses: 

  • The Secure Act 2.0 provisions and potential impact on retirement plans
  • What has been finalized in the act for 2023 and what we can anticipate for 2024 and 2025
  • Changes to required minimum distributions, Roth IRA rollover option for 529 plans, and penalty reduction for missed RMDs
  • Explanation of annuities and IRAs, including single life expectancy and joint annuity options
  • Designation of beneficiaries for retirement plans and consequences of not having one or if the designated beneficiary is deceased or not updated
  • Premiums and surcharges associated with Medicare based on adjusted gross income (AGI)
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Laurie Kaplan:

About Our Guest: 

Laurie Kaplan, CPA, has been serving as a trusted advisor to clients for over 25 years, expertly managing and addressing tax and accounting issues within various industries, including manufacturing and distribution, retail, restaurants, real estate, automobile dealerships, and professional service providers. Her background in both accounting and tax, as well as her consultative approach, allows her to partner with clients and develop innovative solutions to address their personal and business needs. She specializes in employee benefit plans, estate and gift tax, like-kind exchanges, and small business start-ups.

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