Live Abundant Radio with Doug Andrew

Doug Andrew has many opportunities to write articles for a variety of publications. He recently had an article titled "Prioritize Your Opportunities With This Checklist" published in the Harvard Business Review. It offers solid advice for business owners all over the world. It also has application to you and me. Experience has taught Doug that it's entirely possible to create more opportunities in the world than a person has time to seize. The problem is that most people go through life with more capabilities than opportunities. If you're ready to flip that challenge on its head, you're going to love this week's episode. Check out this sneak peek at what Doug reveals in his latest broadcast: * Learn how to filter which opportunities to seize, which ones to delegate to others and which ones to walk away from. * Discover the 5 simple criteria on which you can filter your opportunities and act on those that are the best. * Do your opportunities give you the chance to engage your deepest passions and talents? What is the reward you seek? Hint: it doesn't necessarily have to be financial. * Doug explains why it's so important to get out of our comfort zones and to stretch our abilities in order to have lasting impact. * You understand that property appreciates in value, now learn how to raise the value of the people around you. * What are the three biggest financial opportunities that you could choose to seize? Learn how these opportunities help you overcome three corresponding financial dangers. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Among the many strategies Doug Andrew has been teaching over the decades, one of the most powerful has to do with learning to filter the opportunities we encounter. Opportunity can take a lot of different forms. There are also many ways we can miss out on it when we don't fully understand the opportunity before us. Another factor that can add to the difficulty is when others are peddling snake oil in an attempt to get us to do things that can potentially hurt us further down the road. This is particularly true when it comes to opportunities regarding how we're preparing for retirement. Here's a brief recap of what Doug shares in this week's broadcast: * Would you recognize 401(k) or IRA snake oil if it were being peddled to you? What if it was certain agencies of your government doing the peddling? * When it comes saving for retirement, there are good ways, better ways and best ways. Would you know how to tell the difference between them? * What do you know about the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau? Doug shares some insights from a recent article that will make your ears prick up. * What is stifling American economic growth? Chances are, you haven't heard the real reasons discussed in our mainstream media. * It's a given that most people will find themselves being taxed in retirement. Is there a way to enjoy a retirement nest egg that grows and distributes tax-free? * Learn why the biggest risk to your retirement savings comes after you have the money and not necessarily while you're busy earning it. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

There's no shortage of news and financial periodicals seeking out Doug Andrew for his advice. This is particularly true when it comes to ways to save for retirement, abolishing the entitlement mentality and teaching personal accountability for families and businesses. One of the common themes that Doug has touched on is what he calls "the IRA/401(k) dilemma." Because so many people use these savings vehicles to save for retirement, it's tempting to simply run with the crowd. However, if you're serious about protecting your retirement nest egg, Doug teaches that you'd be wise to carefully consider what may be better vehicles in which to save. Here's a quick preview of what Doug covers this week: * How have "qualified" IRA/401(k) savings plans fared during the last couple of economic downturns? Are you willing to risk up to 40% of your retirement savings to find out? * Learn the difference between being a doomsayer and being a realist when it comes to understanding market volatility. * What do the folks who didn't lose a dime in the last two market corrections know that you don't? There's nothing magic or secret about it, they simply took steps the crowd hasn't taken. * Do you understand the difference between tax-free and tax-deferred savings? Check out Doug's farming analogy to learn if it's better to pay taxes on the seed or to wait and pay taxes on your harvest. * Discover the best retirement savings vehicle that allows you to access your retirement money with as few strings attached as possible. * Why do so many people find themselves in a higher tax bracket at retirement? The answer is obvious but still takes many people by surprise. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

If you're looking at the calendar and shaking your head at how quickly the year's end is approaching, you're not alone. This is the time of year when timing is everything, especially as it pertains to making certain that your financial ducks are in a row. If it's time to reposition assets, you don't want to be kicking yourself for letting the opportunity to make a move come and go without making it happen. In today's broadcast, Doug shares some of his proven strategies to get predictable outcomes without feeling like you're a gambler. Check out some of the highlights of this week's episode: * Learn how to eliminate the risks of taxes, inflation and market volatility so you can rest easy that your retirement money is still safe at work for you. * Are taxes likely to go down in future, stay the same, or go up? How much are you willing to gamble on your answer? * If your retirement nest egg is accumulating in a tax-deferred vehicle like an IRA or 401(k), what would higher taxes do to your savings? * Why do so many people who thought they'd be in a lower tax bracket at retirement find out otherwise when they retire? How can you avoid their fate? * What's better than a traditional IRA or 401(k)? Is a Roth IRA the answer or is there something better still? * How can a person accumulate money for the future, access it without strings attached and ultimately transfer it to their heirs, all tax-free? * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

The opportunities that come to us throughout our lives can take many different forms. Sometimes they're not easily recognized. Other times we recognize them but still prioritize them incorrectly. Nowhere is this more critical than in the way we save for retirement. What many may believe is a terrific saving opportunity might turn out to be the equivalent of a financial snake oil. This can be especially easy to fall prey to when the snake oil is being peddled by members of Congress or other public officials. In today's episode, Doug Andrew spends some time on the subject of opportunity as it relates to your retirement nest egg. Here is a sneak peek of what Doug outlines in this week's broadcast: * There are many ways to save for your retirement. Wouldn't it be worth knowing the difference between what's good, what's better and what's best? * What do you know about the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau? Doug has some details that any serious saver needs to know. * Is your money in your IRA or 401(k) safe from politicians who view it as a possible solution to their spending problem? Doug shares the shocking truth. * Would it surprise you to learn that most of the folks who've died on Mt. Everest perished on the way back down? Doug explains how this illustrates the necessity of proper retirement planning. * Where are your savings for the future most protected from inflation, market volatility and scheming politicians? * If you want to access your retirement money with as few strings attached as possible, is there a better vehicle than an IRA or 401(k)? * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Because of his decades of experience as a financial advisor and consumer advocate, Doug Andrew is often sought out for many different types of advice. He regularly has articles published on how to eliminate entitlement mentality, taking personal responsibility and the best ways to save for retirement. In today's episode, Doug takes a deeper look at the dilemma faced by those whose savings for the future are being kept in an IRA or a 401(k). Conventional wisdom has driven a lot people into putting their money into these "qualified plans." What if there was a better way to accumulate your retirement nest egg while enjoying liquidity, safety and predictable rates of return? Even better, what if your money grew tax-free instead of tax-deferred? Check out this preview of what Doug shares in today's episode: * Just because the crowd is saving for retirement in IRAs or 401(k)s, does that somehow lessen the risks involved? * The last couple of economic downturns ended up being very costly for those whose money was directly at risk in the market. Is there a way to protect your savings from the next downturn? * Is it possible to benefit from those years when the market grows yet not lose money during those times the market falls? Doug explains how this is so. * Learn what happens to so many Americans that puts them in a higher tax bracket at retirement than they were in before. * To teach the difference between tax-free and tax-deferred savings, Doug has a powerful farming analogy about whether it would be better to pay taxes on the seed or to wait and pay taxes on the harvest. * If you want to access your retirement money with as few strings attached as possible, what's the best vehicle to save in? * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

One of the more common questions that Doug hears on a regular basis is whether or not the person asking should save for retirement in a particular manner. Specifically, this question often takes the form of something like, "Should I have a standard 401(k) or IRA or a Roth IRA?" Sometimes they'll ask about different types of savings accounts and which bank might pay more interest. How we approach saving for our long term goals is more important than many realize. Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of the various savings methods could very well spell the difference between a happy and prosperous retirement and the horror of outliving our nest egg. Here’s are a few examples of the subjects Doug addresses this week: * When your employer matches a certain percentage of your contributions to a 401(k), is that match more likely to end up in your pocket or Uncle Sam's? * If you were a farmer, would it be better to pay taxes on your seed or on your harvest? Doug explains how this analogy applies to saving for retirement. * Why do so many people find themselves in a higher tax bracket at retirement than they were in during their working year? The answer may surprise you. * Do you understand the difference between tax-deferred savings and tax-advantaged savings? You will after you hear Doug's explanation * Learn about the savings vehicle you could be utilizing to enjoy tax-free accumulation, distribution. You'll be shocked that more people don't use this approach. * Are taxes more likely to go up or down between now and the time you reach retirement? How might this affect your savings? * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Would it surprise you to learn that the wealth management industry is ripe for disruption? Here's the kicker, disruption can actually be a very positive thing that leads to refinement and improvement. In today's episode, Doug goes over some of the reasons he believes the wealth management industry is due for a shakeup that could leave it better off in terms of helping its clients enjoy greater liquidity, safety of principle, and rates of return. This, in turn, could spell out a brighter, more stable future for those who are working hard to ensure they have a long and happy retirement. Here’s a quick preview of what Doug covers in this episode: * What are the biggest reasons for the coming disruption in the wealth management industry? * Learn why certain age-old assumptions, like being in a lower tax bracket at retirement or that the best place to save for retirement is in a 401(k) or IRA, are falling by the wayside. * What is the Dept. of Labor Fiduciary Rule and why does it threaten new shakeups? * Why do so few people understand how to get the greater liquidity, safety, and rates of return that they want? * Doug explains why he allowed his various licenses to expire back in 2005 and his transition from financial planner to unstoppable consumer advocate. * What is the increasingly common line of thinking that's fraying the fabric of our society? Learn how you can avoid falling into its trap. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

A great deal of Doug Andrew's focus in life is on strengthening his family. This includes not only his children and grandchildren but also his employees and his clients that he thinks of as family. In today's episode, Doug talks about the necessity for attaining personal responsibility at as early an age as possible. He shares examples from when he was a young man as well as how he helps his own family and clients teach responsibility to their children. If you are looking for solid ideas on how to help your children through their struggles financially, you won't want to miss this incredible lesson on teaching responsibility. Here’s a sneak peek of what Doug shares in this broadcast: * Learn what parents do in an effort to help their children that can actually end up hindering them instead. * When your child comes to you looking for a loan, what's a proper and productive response? * If your children are named in a trust, it can either be a tool for their future success or a tool for sowing the seeds of their own downfall. Learn why this is so. * What's wrong with our children thinking in terms of "me" instead of "we"? Doug shares powerful advice on the difference between equal distribution and equal opportunity rules of governance. * Ever heard of a family bank? It's an amazing way to ensure that your loved ones have skin in the game financially so they learn personal responsibility. * What does it mean to be empowered? Doug has a terrific object lesson to teach the value of a hand up versus a hand out. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

One of the biggest differences between the wealthiest, most successful people this country and everyone else has less to do with privilege or luck and more to do with the fact that they understand how they're affected by taxes. For instance, the vast majority of authentically wealthy people don't save for retirement in tax-deferred vehicles like IRAs or 401(k)s. They didn't build their success and wealth by keeping their money in traditional accounts in the market either. Instead, they invested the time and effort required to learn and to implement better financial planning strategies that take the long and short-term effects of taxes into account. Here’s a snapshot of what Doug covers in this broadcast: * Learn why our government's trillion dollar a year shortfall is no longer something we can safely ignore. Doug explains how and why it will impact you when government finally tightens its belt. * You'll genuinely understand what happens when the government raises your taxes and how it will affect your future. * Discover why your tax-deferred accounts will require you to pull out 50% more each year in retirement than you thought you'd need. * You may not be in the lower tax bracket you're counting on occupying when you reach retirement. Learn why this is no longer axiomatic. * Doug explains why, even with a million dollar nest egg, many people stand to outlive their money. * If you intend to get further in life than you are right now? Doug will reveal why it's critical that you leave your ego at the door when it comes to learning. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Doug Andrew has many opportunities to work with and educate highly successful individuals and entrepreneurs. In his more than four decades of experience, Doug has noticed some interesting trends. For instance, the vast majority of very successful people did not get successful and wealthy in traditional accounts in the market. This means they did not save for their retirement in tax-deferred vehicles like IRAs or 401(k)s. It's not that they were born smarter than everyone else, it's that they've invested the time and effort to learn better strategies and to implement them in their financial planning. If you're ready to improve your success financially and in other key areas of your life, you're going to love today's program. Here’s a preview of what Doug will be sharing in this episode: * Want to get further in life than you are right now? Learn why it's essential to check your ego at the door when it comes to learning. * You wouldn't let a contractor you've hired do a shoddy job and simply pay for it as though his mistakes didn't matter. Why do we do this whenever government makes serious mistakes and raises our taxes? * Discover why our government's trillion dollar a year shortfall is no longer something you can safely ignore. Doug explains how and why it will impact you if you are poorly positioned. * Do you fully understand the effect that government raising taxes has on your pocketbook today and your savings for the future?. * Learn why that lower tax bracket you think you'll be in at retirement may not be possible. Hint: It has everything to do with where your deductions went and whether your savings are tax-deferred. * Doug will explain why, even with a million dollar nest egg, many people will outlive their money. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

It's astonishing how many people are content to simply do what others are doing. They aren't in the habit of questioning why things are done the way they are. For instance, well over 90 percent of Americans still choose to save for retirement in tax-deferred vehicles like IRAs and 401(k)s. In this episode, Doug Andrew offers some solid food for thought about why we should consider breaking from the herd mentality and exploring the advantage of tax-free accumulation. Getting the right answers for a worry-free retirement starts with asking the right questions. Here’s a snapshot of the topics Doug covers in this week's broadcast: * If you dream of financial independence, you'll love Doug's explanation of how to optimize your assets, minimize taxes, and empower your true wealth. * It used to be axiomatic that you'd be in a lower tax bracket at retirement. Why is this no longer true? * When's the last time you changed the oil in your rental car? Doug explains how we tend to take better care of those things of which we've taken ownership, including our retirement. * Which is better, raising taxes or raising tax revenue? You'll definitely feel the difference in your pocketbook, depending on how those in charge of government answer this question. * Is there a difference between accumulating money tax-free and saving it in a tax-deferred vehicle like a 401(k) or IRA? Doug shares the surprising answer that even tax professionals sometimes get wrong . * Learn how to take the necessary steps so you never have to worry about outliving your retirement savings * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Perhaps you've seen the classic cartoon of a king, with sword and shield in hand, preparing to go to battle? The king is tersely speaking to one of his helpers, saying, "I have a battle to fight. I don't have time to listen to some crazy salesman. Outside the king's tent, out of view, stands a salesman with a machine-gun and ammunition. It makes you think, doesn't it? How many times have we been so focused on a particular battle that we're fighting--be it financial, medical, social, spiritual or whatever--that we fail to notice solutions or tools that could make a world of difference for us? In today's episode, Doug shares some of the innovative ideas that can turn the tide in your battle for financial independence and a worry-free retirement. Here’s a preview of some of the tools and strategies that Doug shares in this episode: * What's a better retirement vehicle than an IRA and 401(k)? If you're willing to think outside the box, Doug has answers that may surprise you. * Learn how to enjoy the benefits of when the market goes up without risking losing your money during those times the market goes down. It's not magic but few people know how to do it. * When it comes to preparing for retirement, not all financial advice is equal. Discover how to discern between good, better and best. * Every time Doug's program is broadcast, he gets a lot of questions. In this episode he'll share some of his favorites. * It's not enough to have a hefty nest egg if your money is sitting in a tax-deferred account. Learn why tax-free is the preferred way to grow your money. * Most Americans have a tendency to buy high and sell low when it comes to investing in the stock market. Learn what their biggest mistake is and how to avoid it. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Over his lifetime, Doug Andrew has picked up a lot of highly useful information. One of the principles he has learned and applied with great success is the Power of Three. When you're familiar with this concept, you'll begin to recognize it all around you. For instance, there are the three branches of government, many organizations are led by a presidency that has 3 members,a three-legged stool etc. Our brains deal well with groupings of three. In today's episode, Doug will apply the Power of Three to the dimensions of authentic wealth and how we can find stability and eliminate "wobble" from our lives. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the items Doug covers in this week's broadcast: * What's the difference between our financial, foundational and intellectual assets? How do they pertain to authentic wealth? * You'll learn the 10 different categories that rest upon the power of three. * What is liquidity and why is it an essential part of any prudent investment? * Discover the difference between the strivers, arrivers, and thrivers and learn which type of person you are. * There are three sources of income. Which one works for you 24/7 and which ones will keep you working all the days of your life? * Which of these three options is a better use of your money, to spend it, to lend it, or to own something with it? * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.

Doug is fond of pointing out that while there may be no such thing as a stupid question, there's definitely an opportunity to learn from intelligent ones. Sometimes those questions come from his clients, often, they come from financial planners and advisors who are looking for answers for their clients. With more than 4 decades of experience to draw from, Doug has answers to their questions. On today's broadcast, he'll share some of that high quality Q & A with you. Here’s a preview of some of the intelligent questions Doug answers in this episode: * Why would you need a 50% gain in order to make up for a 33% loss? The answer to this question is something that many Americans learned the hard way just a few years ago. * What exactly is indexing and how does it protect your long-term savings from ongoing market volatility? * Do you know what the three key elements of a prudent investment are? Once you understand them, you'll know a peace of mind that other investors have yet to find. * How can you lock in the gain in any year that you make money while at the same time not losing money in those years that the market goes down? * What's the big deal between accumulating money tax-free and saving it in a tax-deferred vehicle like a 401(k) or IRA? Knowing the answer will make all the difference when you reach retirement. * What happens to those who optimize their assets, minimize taxes and empower their true wealth? If you have dreams of financial independence, you'll want to hear this. * And much, much more… Start by visiting with a wealth architect today. *Life insurance policies are not investments and, accordingly, should not be purchased as an investment.