You can live without saving money, and you can live with debt, but you cannot live without cash flow. In fact, if you want your personal finance to flourish, cash flow is a key element you need to focus on – passive income too. Why is that the case?

Find out about critical personal financing missteps you should avoid making, what to focus on to measure financial progress and happiness, and the key traits you can learn from the happiest and most successful people to win more in personal finance.

• Just like many other areas of life, personal finance too is dependent on your own tank both from a mental, physical, and resources standpoint.
• Trying to do too much with their resources is one of the most common personal finance missteps people make.
• There’s a tendency of segregating financial goals into silos and of gravitating towards what looks easiest over what is often best – which typically leads to personal finance goals not being achieved.
• Brian believes that the key to maximizing your capabilities should be on building resources, and then creating cash flow from them to fund everything else.
• Passive income plays a crucial role in that it fills your income gap, allowing you to free up your time.
• Brian sees people often getting caught up in their silos and finding themselves beholden to their system of working to spend.
• It’s possible to live without saving money, and with debt, but it’s impossible to live without cash flow.
• How do you measure financial progress? To identify what makes them happy, people often go beyond financial aspects and look at things such as family, friends, faith, fitness, and free time.
• Once you have this aspect figured out, you can either do everything by yourself – with all the risks that this approach entails – or you can delegate.
• In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey explains that the happiest and most successful people have figured out how to buy more time by relying on professionals with the knowledge and experience to help them manage their relationships, health, time, and money.
• Tom Rath, author of Stengths Finder 2.0, has found that successful people tend to leverage strengths and delegate weaknesses. They spend their time on things they’re good at and want to spend their time on, and they delegate the tasks they can gain more time from by not doing them.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

BrianSkrobonja.com/FamilyOfficeQuiz

Chat GPT

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath

This is a replay of "In Financial Planning, Consider Your ‘Fuel Tank of Capability’"

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.

Brian Skrobonja answers some of the most frequently asked questions about finances and investing.

He covers how successful people approach liquidity, why traditional emergency funds may not be the best strategy, and how to store money with a purpose. Tune in to hear him challenge common financial myths, share smarter wealth-building strategies, and explain what financial freedom really means—so you can take control of your money with confidence.

• Brian starts by explaining what passive income is and where most people go wrong with it.
• True passive income comes from creating multiple, diversified revenue streams that go beyond just the stock market.
• How to build passive income the right way. Most people think diversification means investing in different stocks, but according to Brian, the real key is expanding within your area of expertise.
• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make with passive income—Chasing too many unrelated ventures in the name of diversification can spread you too thin. Brian explains why focusing on one business and layering on multiple revenue streams is the key to long-term success.
• Brian explains why “saving money” isn’t the best strategy for wealth building. Instead of just setting aside cash, Brian talks about the concept of “storing money with a purpose.” Where you put your money determines its ability to grow while staying liquid for when you need it.
• The right way to think about emergency funds.
• Brian explains  why keeping a massive amount of idle cash in a bank account doesn’t make sense. Most financial emergencies—car accidents, home repairs, and health issues are already covered by insurance.
• How much cash should you actually keep in the bank? Brian suggests a practical number that balances liquidity with growth. He explains why keeping too much cash sitting in a low-interest account can hurt your wealth-building potential.
• Learn how financially successful people approach liquidity.
• Do you really need to retire?—For high achievers, retirement can feel more like an identity crisis than a reward. Brian shares why many entrepreneurs find full retirement unsettling and how to rethink the concept of financial independence.
• Should you pay off your mortgage early? Not all debt is bad, and eliminating a mortgage doesn’t necessarily increase your wealth.
• Brian explains the difference between investment debt and consumption debt and why strategic debt management is key.
• Brian reveals ways to tell if your debt is working for you or against you.
• How to commit to saving as a business owner, even with unpredictable income. Brian shares two key strategies: maintaining an abundance mindset and knowing your numbers. Without these, saving will always feel impossible.
• The difference between making money and building wealth.
• Why traditional financial advice doesn’t always apply to entrepreneurs. According to Brian, most financial planning advice is geared toward employees with stable salaries. Brian breaks down a more flexible approach that works for business owners with fluctuating income.
• How to make sure your money is always working for you. Whether it’s passive income, liquidity, or debt management, Brian shares strategies for keeping your wealth in motion and compounding over time.
• What financial freedom really means and how to get there—It’s not about never working again but about having the flexibility to make choices without financial stress. 

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

SkrobonjaFinancial.com

SkrobonjaWealth.com

BUILDbanking.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

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. Our firm is not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.

In this podcast episode, Brian shares his remarkable journey from his parents' middle-class immigrant background to achieving financial freedom through decades of learning and building businesses.

He recounts his early aspiration for an opulent lifestyle and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of creating income-producing assets. Through content creation, including three books and the Common Sense Financial Podcast, Brian's financial wisdom and expertise have garnered recognition and awards, providing valuable insights into wealth, financial freedom, and the pursuit of life's true riches.

Join us as we explore Brian's wealth-building principles, the significance of faith, family, and relationships, and the pursuit of genuine financial freedom.

• It was over 30 years ago when Brian got started in business and he’s spent this time building his knowledge while building teams and companies.
• Brian begins by telling the story of his parents and how they came over from Croatia and lived a middle-class life.
• His father worked evenings and weekends as a lab engineer while also running a business on the side. His work ethic greatly inspired Brian as he grew up.
• As a teen, he always dreamed of having expensive things, but his only model for getting that done involved trading time for money, which is exactly what he did throughout his early 20’s. This led to him working harder to keep up with his increasingly expensive lifestyle.
• After doing it wrong for years, Brian had an epiphany where he realized he needed to create income-producing assets that would pay for his lifestyle.
• He set out to create a passive income stream to support his lifestyle and successfully accomplished it. That’s when his focus for what he was really trying to do for his clients came into clarity.
• Brian began producing content back in 2010. And out of that came three books: Common Sense, Generational Planning, and Retirement Planning, which can all be found on Amazon.
• This led to the beginning of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, which has since been recognized by Forbes as a top 10 podcast by financial advisors. Brian also became a regular contributor for Kiplinger magazine locally in St. Louis. He’s gone on to win numerous awards for his work.
• After 30 years of helping clients create the passive income they need to create real financial freedom, Brian regularly hears clients say that his process has really opened their eyes about how money works and how to think about wealth.
• In his personal life, Brian has been married to his wife Carrie for 30 years and has three kids, who have also grown up and had families of their own.
• Throughout their lives, Brian and his wife have taught their children two main things. First, most importantly, for them to pursue a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to live out their faith in their daily walk. Second to that, is to understand that a worthy pursuit in life is the things money can't buy: building relationships, investing, and creating memories and experiences with people that you love.
• A key lesson that took Brian a long time to figure out is that the pursuit of things never brings satisfaction.
• Real wealth is not found in things but in the freedom to live your life free from having to work for a paycheck or trade your time for money, which is another lesson he tries to impart to his kids as well as his clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

SkrobonjaFinancial.com

SkrobonjaWealth.com

BuildBanking.com

Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja

Generational Planning by Brian Skrobonja

Retirement Planning: Have A Plan So You Can Live Your Life by Brian Skrobonja

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. 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.

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.

In this episode we talk about the importance of using key performance indicators beyond just investment performance to gauge the health of one's retirement plan.

There are five crucial data points that form the foundation of a successful retirement strategy: passive income, effective tax rate, cash flow ratio, banking capacity, and horizontal asset allocation. By focusing on these metrics, you can adopt a comprehensive approach to retirement planning that factors in various financial variables and bridges the gaps in your financial plan.

• Business owners use KPIs or key performance indicators to track and understand the health of their business and marketing efforts. Those planning for retirement should consider their retirement KPIs to help measure the health of their financial situation.
• People often make the mistake of substituting investment performance for more meaningful key performance indicators. ROI is not the only KPI you should be paying attention to.
• People often view their finances in silos and tend to make standalone decisions about what to do while leaving out other important variables concerning their situation, which can result in having gaps in their overall retirement plan design.
• For example, the stock market can go down, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your plan should change. The flipside is also true: the market may be up, but that could mean you need to make adjustments.
• Knowing what KPIs to use and how to use them can help measure the health of your overall financial situation, not just track portfolio performance.
• A KPI is simply a collection of data points that helps provide a consistent method for measuring and monitoring the health of your retirement plan.
• In my experience, there are five key data points needed to measure the effectiveness of a retirement plan.
• The first is passive income.
  • Income is an obvious component and the central theme of a retirement plan.
  • Income is not growth of a share or unit of a particular investment. It is the income generated from the share or unit of an investment.
  • If there is a retirement income gap of $5,000 each month, the goal of the retirement plan is to not simply cash out investments each month or spend down savings to meet the goal. It is to create passive income sources that can consistently provide the cash flow.
  • Missing this point can be catastrophic to the longevity of a retirement plan.
• The second is the effective tax rate.
  • Tax rates in the United States of America are progressive. The more you make, the higher the marginal rate is on portions of your income. Marginal rates have their place when filing a return or making decisions about asset positioning.
  • The effective tax rate is a single rate that's calculated using the total taxes that are paid against the gross income. This percentage gives us a better overall understanding of the impact taxes are having on retirement income.
  • If the retirement income gap is $5,000 each month and the effective tax rate is 30%, we can determine the additional amount of income required to cover the tax liabilities.
  • The more tax mitigation techniques you incorporate into a retirement plan, the less pressure there is on your assets to generate additional income just to pay the tax.
• The third is cash flow ratio.
  • People often define cash flow too narrowly and often exclude things like taxes, retirement savings and health insurance premiums, which leaves gaps in understanding.
  • It is also important to know the ratio of income to bank payments, taxes, savings insurance, as well as fixed and variable expenses.
  • It’s also important to know the earned income versus passive income ratio along with the number of different income sources you rely on to fund your lifestyle.
• The fourth is your banking capacity.
  • When it comes to asset allocation, there is often the out-of-the-box structure where assets are divided up between investments and bank accounts. This approach oversimplifies a more complex situation and overlooks the realities of life and how people actually use and spend money.
  • There are many factors to consider outside of just growing assets and covering emergencies, such as big ticket purchases and other family needs, that could benefit from incorporating a family bank into the financial plan.
  • A family bank, aka Build Banking, is a specially designed life insurance contract that enables a family to have banking capabilities within their own financial ecosystem without relying on an actual bank outside of their financial situation.
  • This piece is usually missing from most retirement plans.
• The fifth is horizontal asset allocation.
  • Most people think of diversification as a vertical landscape of public market investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds or ETFs, but that’s the wrong idea.
  • Asset allocation is similar to gardening. It requires diversity in many different forms to help manage growth, produce income, minimize risk and mitigate taxes.
  • Adding things such as real estate businesses, private equity, life insurance, annuities, amongst other things, can provide characteristics and other elements of stability to help support a retirement plan.
• To develop a retirement plan, you must first identify the gaps in your existing situation, and then begin to work out on strategies to help fill those gaps. Having a way to measure passive income tax exposure, cashflow, asset allocation, and your baking capacity are the most important metrics to start with.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

BrianSkrobonja.com/thegapreportstart 

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. 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.

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.

In this episode on Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as investments, we talk about the nuanced decision-making involved in purchasing CDs and whether or not CDs are good investments, particularly in a rising interest rate environment, and we explain why interest rates are the only factor you need to consider.

Wealth creation isn't solely dependent on CD rates, and we need to consider the impact of inflation and interest rates to gain a comprehensive financial perspective. The episode also explores how government strategies to combat inflation by adjusting interest rates impact not only investors, but also shape the attractiveness of CDs as an investment option.

• In a rising interest rate environment, buying CDs may seem like a good idea but it depends on your needs and goals.
• Wealth isn't created by buying a CD based on a rate. It's created by understanding why the rate may not be all that important.
• Banks look at what is known as the federal funds rate, also known as a benchmark rate. This is the rate banks charge one another to borrow money overnight that's needed to maintain reserve requirements.
• Upstream in the decision making process is the Federal Open Market Committee or FOMC, who meet throughout the year to discuss and set monetary policy. Within these policies, rates are set and typically linked to inflation.
• When those rates are set, banks may adjust rates on loans, deposits and certificates of deposit. But just like any business, banks will adjust rates to compete in their market as they seek to cover their costs and maintain a profit.
• CDs specifically are an attractive tool for banks, because unlike a deposit account, CDs actually lock up customers with a maturity date, which gives banks better control of their cash flow. The higher rates draw in customers seeking to maximize their returns.
• Rates on CDs matter, but not as much when you factor in inflation and interest rates. If inflation is at 7% and interest rates are at 5%, the net is 2%. The same is true if inflation is at 0% and interest rates are at 2%. You have to look at both numbers to get a full picture.
• When you consider the gridlock within the housing market and the amount of debt our government holds, it's hard to believe rates can remain elevated over the long term. The government is desperately trying to combat inflation by raising rates.
• These higher rates not only impact consumers, but they also impact the government. According to the Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, in June of 2023, they projected that annual net interest costs on the federal debt would total $663 billion in 2023 and almost double over the next decade. Interest payments would total around $71 trillion over the next 30 years, taking up to 35% of all federal revenue by 2053.
• These numbers are impacted by interest rates and with lower rates come lower interest payments, so the government has reasons to see rates lower than they currently are.
• The question is: Does it make sense to lock in CD rates while rates are high? It depends. If you have money sitting in a bank account that you don't need and the CD rate is offering a higher rate than your savings, then it might be a good option.
• A good idea is to compare CD rates to other options like fixed annuities and money markets since they share some similarities but also have a few key differences that could make one choice better for your situation.
• Certificates of Deposit are offered by banks as a savings account that offers a fixed interest rate over a specified period of time, ranging from one month up to five years. They carry penalties if funds are removed before maturity, and they're FDIC insured up to $250,000.
• Fixed Rate annuities are issued by insurance companies and are financial products that offer a fixed interest rate over a specified period of time. Early withdrawals can incur a penalty, and interest earnings are tax deferred until you start taking distributions. The guarantees are backed by the claims paying ability of the insurance company and are insured by what is known as the State Guarantee Association.
• Money markets are funds issued by financial institutions that are backed by highly liquid short maturity investments. Maturities usually range from overnight to just under a year, and assets can be quickly converted to cash with minimal loss of value. They are generally considered more risky than a bank, CD or insurance company annuity, and the underlying investments include such things as treasury bills, commercial paper and CDs.
• While CDs offer the safety of fixed returns, they are not devoid of risks and limitations. It's essential to understand both the micro and macro economic factors that affect CD rates before diving in. 

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources - Free Resources To Help You Protect Your Financial Future

Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja

“What to Know About How Banks Work”

The State Guaranty Association

References for this episode:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/americans-faith-in-banks-hit-low-after-failures-says-ap-norc-poll

https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/reservereq.htm

https://fortune.com/recommends/banking/will-cd-rates-go-up

https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/federal-reserve-tapering-asset-purchases.html

https://www.pgpf.org/analysis/2023/07/higher-interest-rates-will-raise-interest-costs-on-the-national-debt

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. 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. 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.

In this episode, we delve into the link between overall retirement quality and the confidence you have in your financial plan. We emphasize how a well-designed retirement strategy tailored to your needs, not solely reliant on market performance, is pivotal for boosting confidence and making your retirement plan a reality you can rely on.

Addressing common fears, exploring emotional extremes, and understanding the evolving landscape of retirement planning, will help you discover the significance of income-focused strategies and a diversified asset approach in building confidence in your retirement plan.

• When it comes to retirement, your quality of life in these golden years is often predicated on the level of confidence you have regarding your situation. A poorly-designed retirement plan can often cause emotional confusion, which leaves you feeling insecure and lacking confidence.
• Confidence is typically at its peak when a plan is optimized and is designed around meeting the needs of the client and not relying entirely on market performance.
• Retirement confidence is in direct correlation with how well your plan is designed to manage your exposure to risk and its ability to fulfill cash flow requirements. A plan built on hope and optimism can lead to very emotional times when the market doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped.
• Many client conversations relating to retirement are often centered around insecurities the client is working through.
• Common fears include running out of money before running out of life, market crashes, having a health crisis, missing opportunities, or simply making mistakes.
• There are typically two emotional extremes, no confidence or complete overconfidence.
• A lack of confidence leads to avoidance behavior and avoiding decisions, which often makes a person vulnerable to the very things they are afraid of.
• Overconfidence leads people to underestimate their vulnerabilities.
• Being skittish or practicing decision avoidance or fearing the idea of making a bad decision are all confidence killers, and the ultimate irony of this behavior is actually preventing the solution from being implemented, which can turn your fears into a reality.
• Confidence is about being able to rely on your retirement plan to do what you need it to do. If your retirement plan is anchored to the stock market, your confidence level relies entirely on the performance of the market.
• Most people’s retirement plans involve a stock market portfolio they plan to liquidate over time, Social Security, and a pension, but that’s really just the start.
• This paradigm seems to be rooted in watching our parents or grandparents work for decades in the same job and then retire with their pensions and Social Security benefits. However, circumstances have changed, and what worked back then isn’t going to cut it now.
• Pensions and company-provided retirement plans have been on the decline since the 1980’s. Baby Boomers started putting their money into retirement plans starting in the 90’s, which caused a growing stock market. 2016 was the first year that Baby Boomers started taking out money from those accounts.
• Those who ran the markets up are now the same group that is putting selling pressure on the markets, but there are other influences as well: government spending and policy, Fed policy, pandemics, interest rates, inflation, and more.
• When you lack certainty in the market, algorithms and a 24/7 news cycle can exacerbate the situation.
• There are two fundamental things that can have a profound impact on your retirement confidence. First is solving for income using income products. The foundation of a retirement plan is to generate consistent income, and unfortunately, consistency is not synonymous with the stock market.
• Separating your assets between long-term growth in public investments and income-generating private and fixed assets is a crucial component of being confident in your overall retirement plan.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja

Brian's article - ‘Five Common Retirement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them’

References for this episode:

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa

https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/baby-boomers-could-cause-market-crash-12117996

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizfrazierpeck/2021/02/11/the-coronavirus-crash-of-2020-and-the-investing-lesson-it-taught-us/?sh=17701bd846cf

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/u-s-stocks-would-be-much-lower-if-it-wasnt-for-excessive-government-spending-morgan-stanleys-mike-wilson-says-1b8e65d2

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-does-the-fed-do-and-how-does-it-impact-the-stock-market

https://thefga.org/blog/president-biden-is-wrong-about-esg-heres-why/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzIhc3F2QbmLEygcbkIg9eV7bhXUz3dzXhO1A_hTNE3hNsMbTug59txoCPcwQAvD_BwE

https://centerpointsecurities.com/stock-market-algorithms/#:~:text=The%20main%20thing%20traders%20need,because%20you%20may%20lose%20fast.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/191077/inflation-rate-in-the-usa-since-1990

https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/historical-cd-interest-rates

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.

Brian Skrobonja breaks down the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). 

He covers how retirees can strategically use their lump sum to create long-term financial stability, the impact of the repeal on spousal and survivor benefits, and the broader financial strain on the Social Security system. 

Tune in to hear essential insights into how to adapt your financial strategy and take full advantage of this game-changing reform.

• Brian starts by explaining why the repeal of the WEP and the GPO is a big deal for retirees.
• A good example of how this repeal affects retirees is higher Social Security benefits--retirees can now reduce reliance on personal savings and investment withdrawals.
• Brian talks about the impact on spousal and survivor benefits. The repeal eliminates the harsh reductions that often left surviving spouses with little to no income.
• Brian explains why retirees need a strategy for their lump sum payments. Instead of spending it impulsively, consider reinvesting in assets that create long-term financial security.
• How the repeal changes retirement planning for government workers. Formerly penalized for having a pension, they can now receive full Social Security benefits without reductions.
• Brian highlights why this repeal adds financial strain to the Social Security system. The Congressional Budget Office projects billions in additional costs, worsening the program’s long-term stability.
• Brian reveals the biggest challenge Social Security now faces.
• Recalculating benefits for millions of retirees while managing retroactive payments creates an administrative nightmare for the Social Security office.
• Brian highlights the fairness issue with this change. Government employees with brief private-sector work history may now receive benefits exceeding lifelong private-sector workers with similar earnings.
• How younger workers may bear the financial burden of this repeal. Without a payroll tax increase, the long-term cost shifts onto the next generation of retirees.
• Understand how to make the most of this new opportunity. With higher benefits, retirees should rethink their tax strategy, pension withdrawals, and investment plans.
• Brian shares the best way to maximize Social Security benefits.
• Coordinating Social Security payments with pension income, investment distributions, and annuities can optimize cash flow for you in retirement.
• Brian explains the tax implications of higher Social Security benefits and how increased payments could push retirees into higher tax brackets.
• According to Brian, this change creates new financial planning opportunities. Retirees can explore strategies like Roth conversions or delaying withdrawals to reduce tax burdens.
• Brian explains how ignoring these changes could cost you and potentially derail your retirement.
• The repeal is a game changer and failing to adapt your financial strategy means missing out on valuable benefits or paying more in taxes. 

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

SkrobonjaFinancial.com

SkrobonjaWealth.com

BUILDbanking.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

References for this episode:

https://www.nea.org/resource-library/faq-social-security-fairness-act#:~:text=Impacted%20individuals%20will%20see%20an%20estimated%20average%20increase%20of%20%24360,vary%20based%20on%20employment%20history

https://hayes.house.gov/2025/1/social-security-fairness-act-legislation-co-sponsored-by-hayes-signed-into-law-by-president-biden#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20the%20CBO%20estimates%20that,for%20380%2C000%20impacted%20spouses%20and

https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/repealing-social-securitys-wep-and-gpo-rules-would-be-misguided

https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60392#:~:text=In%20CBO's%20projections%2C%20the%20balance,the%20balance%20of%20the%20Disability

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. Our firm is not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.

The complexity of Social Security calculations can cause some confusion around when someone eligible should file and claim their benefit. There are a lot of variables to consider and acronyms to decipher that can make Social Security feel like a confusing hedge maze.

Let’s cut through some of the noise and clarify some of the most pressing questions around Social Security benefits and what questions you need to consider to determine what’s best for you and your family.

• Social Security has many layers, and the concept of eligibility can be pretty complex. It's not always clear when and how someone should begin taking their benefits because being eligible doesn't necessarily mean you should turn that benefit on.
• Social Security benefits can be turned on as early as age 62. Each year the benefit is delayed, you receive what is called a delayed retirement credit or DRC. These DRCs guarantee an automatic 8% increase in your Social Security benefit every year you delay up to age 70.
• There is also your full retirement age. This is the age when you are eligible to receive the full benefit without any offset for having earned income. Earned income being income from employment, which is different from income received from investments, pensions or annuities.
• For those born in 1960, or later, your FRA is age 67. Benefits are calculated by the Social Security Administration by taking 35 years of earnings that are indexed for inflation. Any years you didn’t work are counted as a zero in your average earnings calculation.
• These annual amounts are then totaled and divided by four and 20 months to arrive at the monthly figure known as your average indexed monthly earning. This number is different from your benefit amount. The SSA then applies a formula to that number which determines your primary insurance amount or PIA and this is your monthly Social Security benefit.
• If you choose to take your benefit before your FRA while employed, there's an offset that can significantly reduce the benefit if your income exceeds $21,240 in 2023. This reduction is $1 for every $2 of earned income over the limit. In the year you reach your FRA, the limit increases to $56,520 in 2023, with a benefit reduction of $1 for every $3 of earned income over the limit.
• After you've reached your FRA there's no earning limits and you receive the full benefit with no income offsets.
• Provisional income comes into play after your benefits are activated. Your provisional income is calculated by taking your adjusted gross income plus half of your Social Security benefit.
• If that total is less than $25,000, your Social Security benefit is not subject to federal tax. If it is  above 25,000, but below 34,000, 50% of the benefit is taxed, and if it's above 34,000, 85% of the benefit is taxed.
• If you're a government employee, there's something called a Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP. And there's also a Government Pension Offset, or GPO.
• There are three common conversations we have with clients when it comes to Social Security. The first thing is determining the breakeven point.
• One method for deciding when to take Social Security benefits involves calculating the breakeven point, this is the future point in time when the value of one option equals that of another.
• For example, if your FRA benefit is $2,000 a month, and $1,400 at age 62, there's a $600 a month difference. When compared to waiting the five years and taking the full amount, the breakeven point would be 11.6 years.
• Something else to keep in mind is that by taking a benefit early, you reduce the amount of spousal benefit made available since the benefit in and of itself has been reduced and this could be an important consideration.
• The second consideration relates to one's health and longevity. If you don’t expect to live past that breakeven point, taking the benefit early might make more sense.
• From this perspective, it could be a win-win situation if they start receiving benefits early and they live longer than expected because the payments continue.
• We can’t know our lifespan for certain, but if you're in poor health, taking benefits early might be a reasonable option.
• The third consideration involves a person's retirement income requirement.
• Many clients we work with see Social Security simply as a piece of the retirement income strategy, and aren't necessarily concerned with breakeven points as much as they are with maximizing their assets and the resources. Many clients opt to turn their Social Security benefits on instead of tapping into their assets in order to maintain growth.
• Using assets to generate income in retirement also comes with variables that are hard to predict, like the conditions of the stock market and economic policy. Social Security, in comparison, is stable and easy to predict.
• Figuring out your retirement income requires careful planning, which is why it’s crucial to work with a professional that understands Social Security and its role in your retirement plan.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources - Free Resources To Help You Protect Your Financial Future

Common Sense: YOUR Guide to Making Smart Choices with YOUR Money by Brian Skrobonja

SSA.gov

References for this episode:

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html

SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html

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.

If you tune into social media, there are a lot of influencers and gurus peddling one-size-fits-all financial advice and unfortunately plenty of investors base their strategies on what these people recommend.

Find out why basing your investment decisions on what’s trending on TikTok is short sighted and discover the seven indispensable steps of building wealth that are the most common among our most successful clients.

• Conventional wisdom such as paying off mortgages, quickly maxing out 401(k)'s or buying only Term Life insurance can be short sighted.
• Wealth isn't created by following rules of thumb, random one-size-fits-all fixes, or chasing trendy financial tips. Wealth is created by developing a custom-tailored strategy that facilitates wealth creation and prepares you for the future.
• The wealthiest people aren't doing the same things as the other 99%.
• Avoid rushing and applying random tidbits of information without first creating a comprehensive wealth strategy. We all have to take a long-term strategic view of wealth creation.
• There are seven key steps in building wealth that are common amongst all of our most successful clients.
• The first step is understanding cash flow.
  • Cash Flow isn't about monthly budgeting. It's a 12-month roadmap that outlines where your money will go including savings, investments, and day-to-day expenses.
  • Effective cash flow management is about abundance and a focus on wealth creation.
  • Budgeting operates from scarcity and measures success by such things as paying off debt or simply making ends meet. Wealth doesn't just magically form out of scarcity.
• Step two is really understanding your investment risk tolerance.
  • Many investors carry far too much risk for their stated tolerance levels but have really no way of gauging what risks they're carrying.
  • It's crucial to know where you fall on the risk spectrum and to work with a professional to help you tailor your investment strategy.
  • Complete the questionnaire on our website to discover your risk tolerance and know where to start that conversation.
• Step three is to learn your tax allocation.
  • Knowing how to help mitigate tax liabilities is an essential aspect of building and keeping wealth.
  • Tax deferral methods like 401 K's can be useful in some situations, they are not what we would consider comprehensive tax strategies. A deferral is not a savings.
  • Knowing how to allocate assets to mitigate tax liabilities requires an understanding of your entire financial picture.
  • A professional trio of maybe a certified public accountant, CPA, certified private wealth advisor, CPW, or a tax attorney, is essential for making the most of the opportunities available to you.
• Step four is to understand investment verticals.
  • The more public market investments that are acquired such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, the deeper the portfolio vertically grows, but adding more of the same to your portfolio doesn't necessarily mitigate the exposure to the risk you're trying to diversify away from.
  • Horizontal opportunities are outside of the same vertical such as real estate businesses, private equity, and life insurance annuities, and they don't share in the same risk pools that each vertical may be exposed to.
  • Effectively diversifying reduces the risk in a portfolio overall and forms a stable foundation to build on.
  • Don't put all your eggs into one vertical basket.
• Step five is establishing multiple streams of income.
  • Relying on a single source of income, like your job or a single investment is a risky proposition.
  • Businesses, royalties, passive income investments, or other consulting or freelance opportunities are all ways to create more than one stream of income.
  • More sources of income mean your financial situation is more robust during economic storms and you have more capacity to take advantage of opportunities.
• Number six is to adopt financial delegation.
  • There's usually an element of cost and trust when managing financial decisions in a DIY fashion. There comes a tipping point when the perceived savings of doing things on your own becomes an opportunity cost.
  • The complexities involved with wealth management require specialized support from professionals.
  • The cost of working with a professional can be seen as an investment when it opens up new opportunities and it allows you to focus on your strengths.
  • Delegate specific financial tasks to professionals like accountants, lawyers, and financial planners. This allows you to focus your time and effort on enjoying the benefits of having the help and the division of labor helps ensure that all aspects of your financial life are managed optimally.
• Step seven is finding your purpose.
  • Scroll social media and you'll find that there are countless examples of miserable wealthy people.
  • Money certainly makes things easier and helps you afford some privileged experiences but happiness is derived from inside of ourselves. You'll never have enough money and there's always something more to achieve.
  • Answering the question of what you would do or commit your life to if money was not the motivation can offer insight into what you feel like your purpose is.
• Building wealth is not about quick fixes or following the herd. It's about strategic informed decision making that requires an opportunity that looks at cashflow, risk tolerance, tax allocation, diverse investments, multiple income streams, financial delegation, and purpose.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources - Free Resources To Help You Protect Your Financial Future

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.

Most business owners come into the financial game as the quarterback. They’re telling their CPA and financial advisor what they need and when they need it instead of working as a team to plan out a cohesive strategy.

This needs to change.

Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn why your business needs a financial team that works together, and how to incorporate tax planning strategies into your operation, so you’re not overpaying taxes and maximizing the odds of your long-term success.

• Tanner is a CPA with 22 years of experience in the tax world. Born and raised in Utah, Tanner was a natural mathematician and considered joining the FBI as an accountant but didn’t end up going that route. He spent 12 years with five different CPA firms, discovering what he liked and didn’t like, before venturing out on his own.
• The Trump tax cuts expire in 2025 and a lot of professionals are anticipating higher tax rates in the near future. One tax benefit that is likely to expire is the QBR deduction for small business owners.
• Every client is different, but one piece of advice that every business owner can benefit from is choosing the right entity. A lot will depend on what your lifestyle looks like and what you are already paying for.
• Tax deductions are great but finding tax credits is even better. A good example is the Research and Development tax credit, which can go back as many as three years.
• Most people wait until there is an immediate need to contact their CPA, but that leaves a lot of opportunity on the table.
• Tax planning is very different from tax preparation. Tax planning occurs throughout the year and is a more proactive approach that many don’t realize is an option.
• The relationship you have with your CPA is crucial and can play a pivotal role during tax season. With a good relationship you also get the benefit of your CPA’s experience in other industries. Taxes are changing all the time, so it helps to have someone you can reach out to throughout the year.
• Having a financial plan should incorporate tax mitigation strategies. You, your financial planner, your attorney, and your CPA should be working as a team to manage your business finances. The more they can communicate and work together, the more effective they can be.
• There are a lot of inefficiencies in your business by having your financial plan and tax plan operating in separate silos. Individually, everyone does their job well, but when working together they can really shine.
• Typically, there’s a three-year window on filing for a refund claim. If you feel like your current CPA may not be bringing all the opportunities to your attention, it might benefit you to get a second opinion.
• If you’re planning on selling your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. Is it a stock sale or an asset sale? Do you have clean and accurate records? Plan your sale as far out in advance as you can to make sure you have all that you need for a smooth transition.
• One of the most underrated and overlooked aspects of tax planning is your bookkeeping for your businesses. Monthly bookkeeping makes it a lot easier to plan and stay ahead of the finances and taxes compared to waiting until January or April to figure out what you have to do.
• If you make a lot of money, you're going to pay taxes, and that's just the way it is. But when it's a surprise, that's where the problem comes into play.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

MTAconsulting.net

Brian Skrobonja and Tanner Adams are not affiliated. There is no compensation exchanged between Brian Skrobonja and Tanner Adams.

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.

Brian Skrobonja discusses the crucial role a well-defined investing strategy plays in making smarter financial decisions.

He covers ways to create an investing framework you can follow, why blindly taking investing risks is a recipe for disaster, and ways to navigate financial decisions with confidence and clarity.

• Brian starts by highlighting the crucial role a well-defined investing framework plays in securing your financial future.
• He highlights a common misconception about retirement: many people think retirement is the final destination. In reality, it’s just a transition point, and how you prepare for this phase can shape your financial future.
• Brian explains how having a defined strategy can simplify your retirement journey and help ensure a smooth transition.
• Brian compares retirement to halftime in a game: it's a moment to reassess, adjust your strategy, and return to the field with more clarity.
• Do you have a system for achieving your financial goals? Brian encourages you to create a framework that delivers consistent, predictable results.
• Many people misunderstand what it takes to build an effective investing system. Brian stresses that reshaping your thinking and approach is key to achieving larger financial goals and breaking free from outdated processes.
• The multitude of paths available can make financial decision-making feel overwhelming. Brian’s advice: to find success, you must be open to learning and reshaping your thinking about investing.
• Learn how to assess and manage risk effectively and align your investments with your goals.
• Understand that quantifying risk can be challenging because the outcome of an investment may not be clear until much later.
• Second-generation business owners often struggle with newfound wealth and responsibilities. Brian shares insights on how to overcome these challenges and ways to help secure your financial legacy.
• According to Brian, a solid investing formula can help you navigate risk and enhance your financial outcomes.
• How do you define risk? For Brian, your level of education and understanding shapes your personal risk tolerance--being aware of this helps you make more informed decisions.
• The true level of risk you’re carrying when investing can be difficult to assess. Understanding your financial situation and making educated choices helps reduce uncertainty.
• Brian reveals how having a clear plan empowers you to make smarter decisions and manage your portfolio more effectively.
• Brian reveals why a solid investing formula should be built on a checklist focused on proven rules rather than past market performance or others’ opinions.
• If you don’t have a framework for making financial decisions, now is the time to create one.
• Building wealth is not about random decisions or chance—it’s about following a well-designed formula.
• Trying to prepare a financial plan without a clear system leads to wasted time and unpredictable results. Brian’s recommended approach ensures you follow a formula that drives consistent and measurable success.
• Many people misunderstand the concept of diversification. Brian explains that it’s not just about picking stocks—it’s about creating a broader asset allocation framework that works for your unique goals.
• Hoping for a good future is much different than mapping out your future.
• Brian shows how having a clear strategy ensures you make the right decisions at every stage of your financial journey.
• It’s not enough to simply create a framework—you must commit to following it. Brian explains how dedication to your strategy is the key to achieving the financial results you desire.

Mentioned in this episode:

BrianSkrobonja.com

SkrobonjaFinancial.com

SkrobonjaWealth.com

BUILDbanking.com

Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube 

Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs

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.