Looking for help this tax season? The Friends Talk Money team welcomes IRS spokesperson Eric Smith to discuss important tax changes and tax planning strategies. As a trusted tax accountant for the IRS, Eric breaks down the difference between tax credits and deductions, and shares valuable insights into new tools ‘direct file’ and ‘free file’ and other crucial matters that could affect your finances. Listen for more informative tips on how you should navigate the complex world of taxes!

• Tax Time, Again - Terry Savage (Terry Savage)
• Welcome to Direct File | Direct File | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Understanding your Form 1099-K (IRS)
• Tax relief for federally declared disaster areas (USA.gov)
• 10 Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Consider Right Now (Wealthramp)

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Rebuilding your finances after a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. The Friends Talk Money crew sits down to learn more from Wealthramp-network advisor Mitchell Freedman, CPA/PFS, who’s lived through this before himself. His personal and practical tips on preparing for and recovering from financial crises are invaluable. Mitch highlights how working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor can help those affected by a disaster recover financially. Listen to learn more!

• 8 Ways to Regain Your Financial Footing After a Natural Disaster (AARP)
• Post-Disaster Financial Planning: How to Protect Your Assets (Kiplinger)
• Quicken LifeHub (Terry Savage)
• Terry Savage on the financial effects of Hurricane Milton (WGN)

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Worried whether the stock market is too risky for your retirement money? You’re not alone! We’re going to help you decide how to sleep at night and still invest so you’re money’s working for you. Tune in as the Friends Talk Money team chats with Jim Stack from InvesTech Research to uncover smart strategies for navigating your retirement journey.

• InvesTech Research: "Safety-First" Investment Analysis
• Jim Stack's "Safety-First" Outlook (MoneyShow)
• Breaking Down The Future – Your Retirement Roadmap (Wealthramp)
• Terry Savage: What's in YOUR retirement plan? (Chicago Tribune)
• Are you planning for retirement all wrong? (MarketWatch)

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Thinking about a Roth conversion but not sure if it's the right move? The Friends Talk Money team breaks down six key things you need to know before making a decision! From tax implications to future benefits, we've got you covered. Curious about how a Roth conversion could impact your financial future?

• Six Things You Should Consider Before Doing a Roth Conversion (PDF)
• Larry Kotlikoff’s Maxifi Planner Tool (Larry Kotlikoff)
• Wall Street Is Getting Roth Conversions Terribly Wrong (Larry Kotlikoff)
• Roth Conversion Advice (Terry Savage)
• Is Now the Time for a Roth Conversion? (Wealthramp)

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The Friends Talk Money team is here to help you start 2025 off right!

From organizing your important documents to aligning your investments with your goals, we've got the tools and tips you need for a successful financial year! What financial goals are you going to cross off your list this year?

• • Your 2025 Column (Terry Savage)
  • Quicken Life Hub (Terry Savage)
  • Kickstart Your 2025 Estate Planning: Tax Breaks and Essential Strategies (Pam Krueger)
  • Annual Credit Report 

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