Today, Ben Martinek and financial planners Mike Acosta and Ujae Kang explore the emotional and financial complexities of preparing for retirement, emphasizing that while data and planning tools are essential, much of the work involves helping clients overcome fear, uncertainty, and guilt around spending. They discuss how financial advising often becomes a form of counseling, addressing identity, purpose, and emotional readiness as much as monetary logistics. The advisors stress the importance of proactive and adaptable planning, noting that while market turbulence is inevitable, a well-structured plan—grounded in trust and sometimes faith—can help clients navigate it with confidence. Drawing from both professional experience and Catholic values, they advocate for a mindset of anti-fragility: using life’s disruptions as opportunities to grow stronger. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to seek out trusted advisors and make retirement decisions that align both with their financial means and personal goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Retirement planning is both a financial and emotional journey, requiring attention to numbers and deeper personal motivations.

• Advisors act as both planners and counselors, helping clients navigate emotional hurdles like fear, guilt, and uncertainty around spending.

• Clients often need “emotional permission” to use their own money, especially in retirement, where spending can feel threatening to their identity or security.

• Asking thoughtful questions is central to the advisor’s role, uncovering concerns and desires that might otherwise remain unspoken.

• The financial planning process often reveals unspoken emotional and psychological concerns, especially during major life transitions.

• Planning for retirement isn’t just about having “enough” money, but about knowing what that money is meant to support.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Discussing Life Transitions and Retirement

(03:15) – Financial and Emotional Aspects of Retirement

(06:20) – Challenges and Considerations in Retirement Planning

(08:37) – Client Stories and Real-Life Examples

(11:36) – The Importance of Spending and Enjoying Retirement

(25:43) – Overcoming Fear and Building Fortitude

(36:29) – Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Website: https://uakdiversified.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujaeaugustinekang/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Rep

Today, I sit down with Jonathan Reich, a financial advisor at Global View Capital Management and a new member of the Catholic Financial Planners Network. Jonathan shares his journey from working in high-volume client service roles at Fidelity and Equitable to finding a more fulfilling path in personalized financial planning. We dive into tactical asset allocation, a strategy designed to minimize volatility and enhance risk-adjusted returns by dynamically adjusting investments based on market conditions. Unlike traditional strategic asset allocation, this approach uses market-driven stop losses to protect clients from downturns like those seen in 2008 or during the COVID-19 crash. We also discuss leveraging ETFs and options to amplify market positions and the importance of using key indicators to guide investment decisions. Beyond finance, Jonathan reflects on the importance of living with intentionality—balancing financial goals with faith and family, and ensuring that financial success doesn’t overshadow deeper values. We wrap up by encouraging listeners to seek financial advisors who align with their beliefs and long-term priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Tactical asset allocation adjusts investments based on market conditions, while strategic asset allocation maintains fixed percentages and periodic rebalancing.

• Tactical strategies use market indicators to exit positions before significant downturns, protecting clients from major losses like those in 2008 and the COVID-19 crash.

• Reducing financial stress through proper planning allows for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

• Tactical asset allocation focuses on long-term market trends rather than making daily trades.

• Being part of a values-driven financial network, like the Catholic Financial Planners Network, ensures alignment between financial guidance and personal beliefs.

• While money is useful, true fulfillment comes from faith, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Who is Jonathan Riesch?

(05:27) – Understanding Tactical Asset Allocation

(06:58) – Risk-Adjusted Returns Explained

(15:12) – The Importance of Time-Weighted Returns

(19:38) – Signals for Tactical Asset Allocation

(26:42) – Mentorship and Life Philosophy

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Jonathan Riesch, Tactical Asset Allocation

Mentions:

Website: https://gvcmanagement.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today we’re joined for a roundtable discussion with Anthony Guzman and Phil Francois to explore the fundamentals of investing, including employer-sponsored retirement accounts, risk management, and investment strategies that align with personal values. We distinguish between investing and gambling, emphasizing that while both involve risk, investing is strategic and based on positive expected returns. Key principles such as diversification, market participation, and moral screening help build a sound investment strategy while mitigating risk. Opportunity cost plays a crucial role in investing, as conservative strategies offer stability but may not keep pace with inflation, making a balanced approach essential. Ultimately, investing should be goal-oriented, tailored to different life stages, and focused on both financial growth and thoughtful spending. We conclude with practical steps: assessing current strategies, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives, and seeking professional guidance when needed.

Phil Francois is a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Foundation Wealth Planning, dedicated to helping families and business owners navigate financial complexities with a faith-based approach rooted in biblical principles. Anthony Guzman is a fiduciary financial planner dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve peace of mind through holistic financial planning, guiding them to make prudent decisions and steward their resources wisely.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial decisions should reflect personal beliefs, whether through faith-based stewardship or ethical investing.

• A comprehensive financial strategy considers not just investments but overall life goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities.

• Spreading investments across different assets helps mitigate risk and enhance long-term stability.

• Effective financial planning involves optimizing what God has provided to support family, community, and faith-driven goals.

• True financial well-being comes not just from accumulating wealth but from thoughtful spending and alignment with values.

• A trusted advisor helps align financial strategies with personal and family objectives.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Basics of Investing and Money Management

(03:49) - The Importance of Diversification in Investing

(13:16) - Managing Risk and Reward in Investments

(19:35) - Fine-Tuning Your Portfolio

(35:46) - Practical Tips for Managing Your Investments

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, gambling vs investing, risk, inflation, diversification, investment portfolio

Mentions:

Anthony’s Website: https://www.pioneerwealth.com/

Phil’s Website: https://www.foundationwealthplanning.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com