Gimme Some Truth | Investing, Financial Advice for High-Net-Worth Families and Individuals

The Wisconsin Retirement System is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the country — but most participants don't fully understand how it works or how to maximize it.In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Andrew, and Clint break down everything you need to know about the WRS and ETF. Whether you're a state employee, teacher, or public sector worker in Wisconsin, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you make smarter decisions with your retirement benefits.Topics include how the pension actually works, the Core vs. Variable investment decision, what to do as retirement approaches, common misconceptions that cost people money, and how to think about it if you're considering leaving public service for a private sector role.🔑 Key topics covered:* What the WRS is and how the pension benefit is calculated* Why the WRS is one of the healthiest pension plans in the US* WRS vs. Social Security as a guaranteed income floor* Core Fund vs. Variable Fund: the 60/40 vs. 100% stock decision* The one-time switch back to Core and what to do as retirement approaches* Why "I have WRS, I don't need to save anything else" is a dangerous assumption* Leaving for the private sector: is that 15% raise actually worth it?* How to read your WRS statement and use ETF office projections📌 Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & Clint's Background With WRS1:01 – Why This Topic Matters & Common Misconceptions4:42 – What Is a Pension? WRS Basics Explained6:51 – WRS vs. Social Security: Building a Guaranteed Income Floor7:00 – Core vs. Variable: Investment Options Inside the Plan9:36 – Approaching Retirement: The One-Time Core Switch & Practical Steps11:27 – "WRS Is Enough" — Why You Should Still Save Outside the Plan12:34 – Is Leaving for a Private Sector Job Worth It?16:07 – Private Pensions: What's Different & What to Watch Out For17:44 – Final Tips: Reading Your Statement & Visiting the ETF Office📬 Have questions about your WRS benefits or retirement plan? Reach out to the team at walknercondon.com#WRS #WisconsinRetirementSystem #ETF #WisconsinPension #PublicPension #RetirementPlanning #StateEmployees #TeacherRetirement #PensionPlan #FinancialPlanning #CoreVsVariable #PublicSectorRetirement #WisconsinSubscribe @walknercondon Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com ————————————————ADD US ON:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/walkner-condon-financial-advisors-llc Facebook: https://facebook.com/walknercondon

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is getting its biggest update in years. In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint, Alicia, and Nate break down the new law that raises the federal SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000 starting in 2025, with limits that phase out for higher-income households and a temporary window that currently runs through 2029. You’ll learn what counts as SALT (property taxes, state income taxes, and certain local taxes), who benefits most in high-tax states, and why the expanded cap could make itemizing attractive again—even for filers who have taken the standard deduction in recent years. The team also explains key planning moves like timing property tax payments, bunching deductions, and coordinating SALT with charitable and other itemized strategies to maximize tax savings before year-end. Whether you’re a high-income earner navigating the phase-out rules or a homeowner wondering if itemizing finally pays off, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance to help you take advantage of the new SALT limits while they last. Read the blog for additional information: https://walknercondon.com/blog/how-the-new-2025-salt-cap-works-and-tax-strategies-to-maximize-your-deductions/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Favorite Salts00:43 What is SALT?01:22 Changes in SALT Deduction Limits01:35 Impact of the New SALT Cap03:23 Strategies for Itemizing Deductions03:45 Planning for Future Tax Years04:33 Proactive Tax Planning Tips07:31 High-Income Earners and SALT Cap Phase-Out09:53 End-of-Year Tax Planning11:35 Conclusion and Additional Resources🔔 Subscribe for More Insights on Financial Planning, Investing, and Retirement:👉 Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode of Gimme Some Truth @walknercondon 🌐 Learn More About Walkner Condon Financial Advisors:Visit: https://walknercondon.com📣 Connect with Us on Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walknercondonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/walknercondon

💰 Are you making the most of your cash? In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate Condon and Mitch DeWitt break down cash management strategies that help you stay ahead in a changing financial world.Discover how to optimize your liquidity, earn higher yields, and protect your cash from inflation and interest rate shifts. Whether you’re holding cash for short-term goals or long-term flexibility, this conversation will help you make smarter, more confident financial decisions.🔹 Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction to Cash Management01:01 The Changing Landscape of Cash01:46 Making Smart Cash Decisions02:33 High-Yield Savings Accounts05:05 Treasury and Bond Options Explained06:51 Understanding Liquidity Risk11:28 Chasing Yield: Pros and Cons13:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts💬 Key Takeaways:- Why cash management matters more than ever in 2025- The pros and cons of high-yield savings accounts- How treasuries and short-term bonds fit into your strategy- Balancing yield with liquidity and safety 🌐 Learn more: https://walknercondon.com#CashManagement #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PersonalFinance #HighYieldSavings #TreasuryBonds #GimmeSomeTruthPodcast #WalknerCondon #WealthManagement🌐 Learn More About Walkner Condon Financial Advisors:Visit: https://walknercondon.com🌍 Are You a U.S. Expat?We specialize in financial planning for Americans abroad:Explore our dedicated expat site: https://usexpatinvesting.com📣 Connect with Us on Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walknercondonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/walknercondon

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint and Nate dive into the world of pledged asset lines—also known as securities-backed loans. They break down how these loans work, when investors might consider using them, and how they compare to traditional lending tools like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).You’ll learn:🔹 What a pledged asset line is and how it functions🔹 Real-world examples of how investors use them🔹 The advantages and potential risks involved🔹 How securities-based loans can provide liquidity without selling investments🔹 What to consider before choosing this type of financingWhether you’re curious about alternative lending options or want to understand the mechanics of borrowing against investments, this episode offers a clear and practical explanation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Pledged Asset Lines00:35 Defining Pledged Asset Lines01:44 Example Scenario: Using a Pledged Asset Line04:48 Advantages of Pledged Asset Lines08:42 Potential Downsides and Considerations12:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🔔 Subscribe for More Insights on Financial Planning, Investing, and Retirement:👉 Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode of Gimme Some Truth @walknercondon 🌐 Learn More About Walkner Condon Financial Advisors:Visit: https://walknercondon.com🌍 Are You a U.S. Expat?We specialize in financial planning for Americans abroad:Explore our dedicated expat site: https://usexpatinvesting.com📣 Connect with Us on Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walknercondonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/walknercondon

How does Epic's employee stock program work—and what do you need to know about taxes, loans, 83(b) elections, and long-term planning?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, financial professionals Clint Walkner, Alicia Vande Ven, CFP® (former Epic HR), and Mitch DeWitt, CFP®, break down the complexities of Epic employee stock, including vesting, tax implications, exit planning, and risk management. Whether you're an Epic employee, former staffer, or simply navigating equity compensation, this episode offers structured insight into managing your equity in 2025 and beyond.Check out our new Epic Stock Financial Planning Guidewww.walknercondon.com/epic🔎 Topics include:Epic stock structure and evolutionUnderstanding 83(b) electionsManaging stock loans and riskUsing direct indexing and donor-advised fundsPlanning for vesting, exit, and retirementThis content is for informational purposes only and not intended as tax or investment advice.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: What makes Epic stock unique01:00 – Alicia’s background at Epic and initial exposure to equity02:15 – How Epic’s stock plan has changed over time04:30 – Why it's important to understand what you own06:00 – Vesting, taxation, and the W-2 surprise07:45 – 83(b) election explained: benefits and risks10:30 – Exit planning: start early to expand your options12:45 – When Epic stock becomes "real money"14:10 – Investment strategy: what to consider before leaving15:40 – Direct indexing for tax efficiency17:00 – Donor-Advised Funds: grouping charitable giving19:00 – Planning around fluctuating income and loan terms21:15 – Why family and spouse income must be considered23:00 – The role of personal goals in equity planning24:30 – How to prepare for a financial planning meetingRead our blog post on Donor-Advised Funds: https://walknercondon.com/blog/what-is-a-donor-advised-fund/Read our blog post on Direct Indexing: https://walknercondon.com/blog/introduction-to-direct-indexing/ #EpicStock #EquityCompensation #83BElection #TaxPlanning2025 #DirectIndexing #DonorAdvisedFunds #GimmeSomeTruthPodcast #ExitPlanning #EmployeeStockPlans #EpicSystemsFor more on this topic and others check out the blog on our website: https://walknercondon.com/blog/ Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com ————————————————ADD US ON:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/walkner-condon-financial-advisors-llc Facebook: https://facebook.com/walknercondon

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we take a closer look at the future of Social Security and what it means for retirement planning. Mitch shares insights into the projected depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund by 2033, highlighting that while the headlines can be alarming, Social Security payments have never been missed.We explore the origins of Social Security, the impact of demographic shifts, and the political and funding challenges shaping its outlook. The conversation also reviews potential legislative reforms — including retirement age adjustments, tax changes, and benefit modifications.Finally, we emphasize the importance of stress-testing financial plans so individuals can prepare for possible changes and uncertainties in the system.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Topic Overview00:50 – Current State of Social Security02:07 – Historical Context and Trust Fund Details05:26 – Future Projections and Potential Solutions07:07 – Political Challenges and Demographic Impact12:54 – Possible Changes and Recommendations14:50 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsREAD THE BLOG POST FOR MORE INFO: https://walknercondon.com/blog/is-social-security-going-away/🔔 Subscribe for More Insights on Financial Planning, Investing, and Retirement:👉 Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode of Gimme Some Truth 🌐 Learn More About Walkner Condon Financial Advisors:Visit: https://walknercondon.com🌍 Are You a U.S. Expat?We specialize in financial planning for Americans abroad:Explore our dedicated expat site: https://usexpatinvesting.com📣 Connect with Us on Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walknercondonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/walknercondon