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Common Sense Financial Podcast

Common Sense Financial Podcast

Von: Brian Skrobonja
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 The Common Sense Financial Podcast is all about finances, mindset and personal growth. The goal is to help you make smart choices with your money in your home and in your business. Some of the podcasts here are historical in nature. They aired before July 1, 2022 and were previously approved by Kalos Capital. The views and statistics discussed in these shows are relevant to that time period and may not be relevant to current events. This is intended for informational and entertainment 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. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. 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. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by the third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. 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.All rights reserved Persönliche Finanzen Ökonomie
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  • How SDLI Can Provide Flexibility - Replay

    How SDLI Can Provide Flexibility - Replay
    Aug 27 2025
    High income professionals face a unique situation when it comes to their retirement. You have the dual challenge of having your money tied up in your investments and also looming tax burdens once you retire. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy, also known as a life insurance retirement plan, and how it could be the wealth preservation tool you’ve been looking for. A high cash value life insurance policy can help facilitate tax-advantaged growth that standard retirement accounts may not be able to match.Many professionals spend a considerable amount of effort accumulating wealth for most of their life only to find themselves in a bind: their money is inaccessible with looming tax burdens.High Income professionals often face a dual tax burden where their current high income places them in a high tax bracket, reducing the net income they have available for investment. Meanwhile, the money you've diligently saved in your retirement plan will be subjected to potentially hefty taxes upon withdrawal later in life.Retirement accounts are great vehicles for long-term savings, but they lack flexibility, and you're penalized for early withdrawals leaving you without a readily available source of funds for unexpected opportunities or emergencies.For high income individuals grappling with these issues, a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy may be the answer.A Specially Designed Life Insurance (SDLI) policy utilizes a high cash value life insurance policy to facilitate tax-advantaged growth and offer flexibility that standard retirement accounts simply can't match.Cash value builds over time in the policy, growing in a tax-deferred basis mirroring the benefits of a retirement account, yet the cash value can be accessed at any time through a non-recognition policy loan.If properly managed, these policy loans have flexibility and are not required to be repaid during your lifetime and can be simply deducted from the death benefit or cash surrender value when the policy pays out.The SDLI strategy enables you to tap into your wealth when needed, providing the liquidity to seize investment opportunities or meet unexpected expenses.The policy loans do have an interest charged on them, but well-designed policies provide an opportunity to offset the interest.Not all life insurance policies offer the features necessary to execute the strategy effectively. It's a delicate balance that must be carefully managed and is best done with the help of a professional.This strategic tool offers several other key advantages for wealth management, asset protection and estate planning.In many jurisdictions, life insurance policies are protected from creditors providing a shield for your assets.Life insurance can also play a crucial role in balancing out an estate amongst surviving family members.A life insurance policy can also provide immediate liquidity to family members or business partners upon a death, ensuring the continuity of a business or farm without the need to sell off assets.Life insurance proceeds can also provide a tax free inheritance to your beneficiaries, helping to preserve your legacy. A common pushback against using life insurance as an accumulation vehicle is the perception that it is expensive and takes a long time to accumulate substantial cash values. This is because most common policies are focused on maximizing a death benefit instead of rapid cash value accumulation.While there is an undeniable cost associated with a special desire life insurance policy, it's crucial to consider this expense in contrast to the potential tax liabilities.Retirement account distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income. For a high income individual, this can be losing a substantial chunk of your retirement savings to taxes.In many cases, the cost of a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy could be a mere fraction of what the tax liabilities may be on an investment growth over time.The true cost of these policies become apparent only when considering the full financial picture, including current and future tax burdens, access to cash and long-term wealth accumulation.A Specially Designed Life Insurance policy is not a catch-all solution but rather a tool within the context of a comprehensive wealth management plan. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BuildBanking.com 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 ...
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    15 Min.
  • Who Should Consider An Annuity? - Replay

    Who Should Consider An Annuity? - Replay
    Aug 20 2025
    The concept of investing is often associated only with money and the pursuit of wealth, but this Annuities are a popular thing these days… why is that the case? And are they a valid option for those planning their retirement? In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja explores the world of annuities – from what they are and the three types of annuities all the way to four common myths, Brian’s “unpopular opinion” and why annuities and investments aren’t in competition. Plus, Brian reveals what he considers the best way to accumulate wealth. You need to keep in mind that there are plenty of unknown factors in your life, such as how long you’re going to live, inflation, how the market is performing, healthcare costs, and economic shifts.Brian believes that the uncertainty surrounding retirement is why annuities are so popular.Annuities are a way to transfer risk over to an insurance company and provide some sense of safety for the future, says Brian.According to Statista, the risk of running out of money is a real concern for many retirees, with an estimated $2.53 trillion of retirement assets held inside of annuities.Brian breaks down the three types of annuities – variable, fixed-indexed, and fixed-rate – and shares a common misconception about income benefits.In his own words, Brian has an “unpopular” stance: he’s a believer in the fact that whether or not someone should use an annuity depends on their situation.Brian touches upon when it makes sense for you to use an annuity and when it doesn’t.“Capital appreciation over time” is what Brian considers the best way to accumulate wealth.Brian explains that annuities and investments aren’t in competition, because they both have a place at different times in someone’s life, depending on their needs.Brian goes over four common annuity-related myths. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify Statista.com Brian’s article: My 5-Minute Retirement Plan Brian’s article: The Financial Fiduciary Standard Explained Brian's article: What to Do With Cash in a Low Interest Rate Environment Annuity guarantees rely on financial strength and claims-paying ability of issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by carrier. Annuities are not FDIC insured. 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 ...
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    15 Min.
  • The Shocking Cost of College: How to Be Smart and Avoid a Tuition Trap

    The Shocking Cost of College: How to Be Smart and Avoid a Tuition Trap
    Aug 13 2025
    Brian Skrobonja talks about the real cost of college—and why most families are dangerously unprepared. Tune in to learn how to fund your child’s education without sacrificing your retirement. Expect to hear eye-opening numbers, smarter strategies than 529 plans, and a flexible approach that keeps you in control, no matter what path your child takes. Brian starts by explaining how to avoid being blindsided by college costs. Most parents assume they’ll have time until the first invoice shows up. And when it does, it doesn’t just hit your wallet—it hits your entire financial life.Understand why “college tuition” is just one part of the picture. The real cost includes everything else: housing, books, transit, lab fees, and incidentals. And those extras can add up to more than tuition itself.Brian explains how college costs can quietly destroy retirement plans. You want to help your child, but helping without a plan can wipe out decades of savings. How to ensure college costs don’t catch you by surprise. Learn why a 529 plan is helpful—but also restrictive. It only works if your child follows a specific path and goes to college. Brian describes why flexibility should be a priority when planning for college. What if your child takes a gap year? What if they don’t go to college at all? You need a funding tool that moves with life—not against it.Why a 529 plan can hurt your financial aid eligibility. Every dollar in that account shows up on the FAFSA. And that could mean less aid, more loans, and more stress.How cash value life insurance creates breathing room. It doesn’t show up on aid forms, and you can use the money for anything—college or not. That kind of freedom changes how you plan.Brian explains how life insurance can do what college savings accounts can’t: tax-deferred growth, tax-free access, and zero usage restrictions. Learn why not all life insurance is designed for this. Some policies are built for death benefits—not cash value. You need the right structure, the right funding, and the right guidance.How to plan for college without sabotaging your lifestyle. Tuition shouldn’t mean pausing your retirement or downsizing your life. According to Brian, smart planning means both futures can coexist.Understand the real power of liquidity in college planning. For Brian, savings are great. But if they’re locked up when the bills arrive, they’re just numbers on paper.Brian reveals why thinking in lump sums is the wrong mindset. College is a cash flow challenge, not just a savings goal. You don’t need $200K on day one—but you do need to know where every semester’s payment will come from. Brian describes what real planning actually looks like. It’s not just picking an account—it’s designing a strategy. One that flexes, protects, and puts you in control, no matter what life throws your way. 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://capstonewealthpartners.com/11192015cash-flow-is-king/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2024-ADA.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.parents.com/parents-are-sacrificing-to-pay-for-college-11761247?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://moneywise.com/managing-money/debt/my-wife-and-i-are-well-off-but-we-told-our-daughter-21-we-couldnt-afford-to-pay-for-her-college-now-shes-graduated-with-90k-in-student-loans-and-a-chip-on-her-shoulder?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.benefitnews.com/news/citizens-parents-compromise-retirement-over-college-costs?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12024 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. ---- BUILD Banking™ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or ...
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    23 Min.
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