The TechGirl Financial podcast returns with its seventh season providing deep insights on the financial markets and an inside look at the landscape of our economy. We kick things off with a conversation about the state of the markets today, what to expect in the year to come, and why in times of uncertainty investors should proceed with caution.

As market uncertainty continues to loom large, we will highlight the crucial role of fixed income as a portfolio ballast, essential for maintaining stability and mitigating risk. This podcast is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to seize opportunities, manage risks, and achieve your investment goals with confidence.

Join us as we explore the world of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and their impact on your financial journey. RSUs are now a significant component of employee compensation, and companies use them strategically to attract and retain top talent. But how can you maximize their potential?  Are RSUs on the rise or decline?  And just how crucial is an RSU allocation for securing your financial well-being? In this podcast we encourage listeners to participate in a new survey that we’ve created to gauge the changing landscape of RSUs across the country.

Gerry Mihalick, CFA, and Portfolio Manager at Berkshire Asset Management returns to the podcast to update us on the current state of the markets and their Rising Dividend Strategy. In our conversation we discuss the current interest rate environment, corporate valuations, and the importance of maintaining a disciplined focus to achieve investment success. Don’t be distracted by the noise and hear first-hand how Gerry and the Berkshire team approaches the markets, especially in times of volatility.

What will you do when your money works for you? At TechGirl Financial, this isn’t just a tagline; it’s a call to action. It encourages clients to envision their lifestyle after the kids have left home and their careers have ended, and they navigate the third act of life. Will it be filled with more golf or tennis? More travel and family visits? Time is a valuable currency, and just as we recommend a diversified investment portfolio, we advocate for a varied approach to how you spend your time to enrich your life and lifestyle. Join us for advice and guidance on exploring and discussing these possibilities with your significant other and your family.

Author, researcher, speaker and an authority on leadership and career development, Julie Winkle Giulioni joins the TechGirl Financial podcast to share insights from the third edition of her book: Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want. 

Study after study continues to confirm that career development is the single most powerful tool managers have for driving retention, engagement, productivity, and results. But many time-starved managers’ report that they don't have time for it. This book offers a better way: frequent, short conversations with employees about themselves, their goals, and the business that can be integrated seamlessly into normal day-to-day interactions, so it operates at the speed of business.

Election day is fast approaching, and in this podcast, we wanted to address some of the main concerns expressed by investors about the impact elections have on financial markets. In short, they don’t.  However, this does not stop volatile markets leading up to the decisive date and politicians taking credit for good markets or being blamed for bad markets. Join us as we discuss the history of past elections, historical returns and why gridlock in D.C. can be good for an investment portfolio.

Estate and legacy planning reach beyond merely drafting documents for wealth distribution. Careful planning involves safeguarding your values, preserving your legacy, and ensuring your wishes are respected for generations to come. Whether you're passing assets to loved ones, donating to charitable causes, or supporting institutions that matter to you, having a well-structured plan is crucial for peace of mind. If you are interested, we can help you create a personalized estate plan that reflects your unique goals and lifelong legacy.

In recent years, AI’s explosive growth has been extraordinary, as both individuals and businesses leverage its capabilities to boost productivity and streamline operations. This surge has ignited a fresh wave of excitement for the future of computing, often compared to the transformative impact of the internet and mobile technology.

Ed Ortega, Co-Founder of the AI consulting firm Machine & Partners, joins us to explore how this groundbreaking technology is reshaping workplaces and revolutionizing our daily interactions with machines and each other. 

As a listener, you are part of the process and we encourage you to ask questions, make comments and offer suggestions for future shows. To participate, please send an e-mail to victor@resilientplanning.com or join the conversation on Twitter with Victor Gaxiola (@victorgaxiola) and Kim Gaxiola (@kimgaxiola) using the hashtag #AskTGF. We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn.