Financial Planning Explained

The Stock Market Right Now: What's Happening & What's Next | Brad Sorensen, CFA

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back regular guest Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research.

In this episode, Mike and Brad discuss the current state of the stock market, examining the latest economic data, market trends, and the key forces shaping today's investment landscape. They break down what's driving recent market performance, how stocks and bonds are reacting to changing economic conditions, and what investors should expect in the months ahead.

The conversation covers inflation, interest rates, Federal Reserve policy, corporate earnings, economic growth, and investor sentiment, while offering practical insights into navigating market volatility with confidence. Brad also shares his perspective on maintaining a disciplined, long-term investment strategy and avoiding common emotional investing mistakes during uncertain times.

Whether you're an investor, retiree, financial advisor, or simply looking to better understand today's markets, this episode provides valuable insight into the current market environment, what it means for your portfolio, and the opportunities and risks investors should be watching moving forward.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit https://maaplanning.com.

Second Quarter Market Recap 2026 | What Investors Need to Know with Brad Sorensen, CFA

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® welcomes back regular guest Brad Sorensen, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research.

In this episode, Mike and Brad break down the performance of the financial markets during the second quarter of 2026, discussing the key economic events that influenced stocks, bonds, and investor sentiment throughout the quarter.

They examine the latest developments in inflation, interest rates, economic growth, corporate earnings, and Federal Reserve policy, while providing perspective on what these trends could mean for investors heading into the second half of the year.

Brad also shares his insights on navigating ongoing market uncertainty, maintaining a disciplined long-term investment strategy, and avoiding emotional decision-making during periods of volatility.

Whether you're an investor, retiree, financial advisor, or simply interested in understanding today's financial markets, this episode offers valuable insight into the Q2 2026 market recap, current economic conditions, and what investors should be watching next.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit https://maaplanning.com.

Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study (Part 3): IRMAA & Roth IRA Conversions | Nick DeVito, CFP

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, and Nick DeVito, CFP®, continue their Social Security Survivor Benefits case study series with Part 3, focusing on three critical retirement planning strategies: IRMAA, the Rule of 72, and Roth IRA conversions.

Building on the previous episodes, Mike and Nick explore how income planning, taxes, and investment decisions all work together when creating a successful retirement strategy. They break down how the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can impact Medicare premiums, why proactive tax planning matters, and how retirees can potentially avoid unexpected increases in healthcare costs.

The conversation also dives into the Rule of 72, a simple but powerful financial concept that helps investors understand how long it may take their money to double over time. Mike and Nick explain how this rule can provide perspective when evaluating growth, inflation, and long-term retirement planning decisions.

A major focus of this episode is Roth IRA conversions and how they can be used as a tax-planning tool. They discuss when conversions may make sense, how tax brackets impact conversion decisions, and why strategically managing taxable income throughout retirement can help preserve more wealth for the future.

Through this real-world financial planning case study, viewers will learn why Social Security, Medicare, investment management, and tax strategy should all be coordinated as part of a comprehensive retirement plan — especially during major life transitions like becoming a surviving spouse.

Whether you're approaching retirement, managing inherited assets, navigating Medicare decisions, or looking for ways to reduce future taxes, this episode provides practical retirement planning insights to help you make more informed financial decisions.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study (Part 2): Unrealized Capital Gains | Nick DeVito, CFP

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP®, and Nick DeVito, CFP®, continue their in-depth Social Security Survivor Benefits case study by exploring one of the most overlooked planning opportunities: unrealized capital gains.

Building on Part 1, Mike and Nick examine how appreciated investments and unrealized capital gains can influence a surviving spouse's long-term financial strategy. Through a real-world financial planning scenario, they explain how inherited assets receive a step-up in cost basis, how capital gains are taxed after the death of a spouse, and why understanding these rules can help families minimize taxes while maximizing retirement income.

Throughout the episode, they demonstrate how Social Security survivor benefits should never be viewed in isolation. Instead, they show how coordinating survivor benefits with investment portfolios, capital gains planning, tax-efficient withdrawals, and estate planning can create a more comprehensive and effective retirement strategy.

Whether you're planning for retirement, helping aging parents, managing inherited investments, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, this episode provides practical insights that can help you preserve more of your wealth and avoid costly mistakes.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study: Avoiding Costly Claiming Mistakes | Nick DeVito, CFP

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP® walk through a real-world Social Security Survivor Benefits case study, demonstrating how claiming decisions can significantly impact retirement income, financial security, and long-term planning outcomes.

Using a practical financial planning scenario, Mike and Nick explain how survivor benefits work, who qualifies, and the strategies available to surviving spouses when navigating Social Security claiming decisions. They break down key rules surrounding survivor benefits, including eligibility requirements, timing considerations, benefit calculations, and common mistakes that can reduce lifetime benefits.

Throughout the episode, they highlight how Social Security survivor benefits fit into a comprehensive retirement income plan and why coordinating these benefits with other assets, pensions, investments, and tax strategies is essential for maximizing financial security.

Whether you're approaching retirement, currently receiving Social Security benefits, planning for a spouse's future financial well-being, or simply looking to better understand your options, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you make informed decisions.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning, visit: https://maaplanning.com

Estate Planning Case Study: Wills, Trusts, and Tax Strategies

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® walks through a comprehensive estate planning case study, illustrating how thoughtful planning can help families protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure their wishes are carried out efficiently.

Using a real-world financial planning scenario, Michael breaks down the key components of an effective estate plan, including wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and strategies for transferring wealth to future generations. He also highlights common estate planning mistakes that can create unnecessary costs, delays, and family conflicts.

Throughout the episode, Michael explains how estate planning integrates with a broader financial plan and why regularly reviewing your estate documents is essential as your family, assets, and goals evolve over time.

Whether you're building your first estate plan, updating existing documents, planning for retirement, or looking to preserve your legacy for your loved ones, this episode provides practical insights and actionable strategies to help you make informed decisions.

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com.

Home Loans: Mortgage Strategies for Buyers with Michael Mandio

This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Michael Mandio. Michael is the Vice President of Production, Community Mortgage Team for AnnieMac Home Mortgage. AnnieMac is a nationwide residential mortgage lender. They help homebuyers and homeowners secure financing for purchasing properties, refinancing current loans, and accessing home equity.

In this episode, Michael and Mike discuss AnnieMac and how they help home buyers through the buying process. The guys also discuss the Cash2Keys program, which lets buyers leverage cash offers to skip the stress or bidding wars and put themselves in the best position to win housing bids. This is a great episode for anyone purchasing a new home or refinancing a current home. ​

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com.

College Planning: Repayment & Refinancing with Mackensie Ellis

On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Mackensie Ellis. Mackensie is a student loan professional at Juno. Juno student loans uses collective bargaining power to negotiate better rates on undergraduate, graduate, and refinance student loans.

In this episode, Mackensie and Mike talk about loan repayment after graduation. The two get into refinance options, loan deferment, and public service loan forgiveness. This is a great episode for students of any age or students who have recently graduated looking for repayment options.

​For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com.

College Planning: Different Types of Loans with Mackensie Ellis

This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Mackensie Ellis. Mackensie is a student loan professional at Juno. Juno student loans uses collective bargaining power to negotiate better rates on undergraduate, graduate, and refinance student loans.

In this episode, Mackensie and Mike discuss what Juno is an how the service works. They also talk about federal vs private student loans, along with the pros and cons of each. Other topics include: Parent PLUS loans and Stafford loans. This is a great episode for students of any age that are looking to negotiate a better student loan rate, or refinance their current loan. ​

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com.

College Planning: Where to Begin with Shellee Howard

On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Shellee Howard. Shellee is the Founder & CEO of College Ready. College Ready helps students stand out through strategic college planning proven to strengthen applications, increase scholarship offers, and simplify every step of the admissions journey. This is part two of a four-part series on college planning.

In this episode, Shellee and Mike discuss the process of Shellee's company and how they guide students to make educated choices when college planning. They also discuss considerations and opportunities post-grad that students should consider when choosing a school. This is a great episode for any student or parent of a student that is gearing up for college. ​

For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com.