As a Senior Wealth Advisor at Smallwood Wealth Management, Ed specializes in creating financial plans to help you reduce your risks in retirement. His overall objective is to try to produce a more predictable outcome before and during retirement. Each week Ed talks about the many complexities everyone faces in retirement. His objective is to help you better understand and be prepared to enjoy your "golden years". Here's where you can find out more and to reach out to Ed: Smallwood Wealth Man ...
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Social Security - When Is The Right Time?
16:45
16:45
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16:45Summary In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the complexities of Social Security benefits, focusing on when to take them for optimal retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding full retirement age, the implications of delaying benefits until age 70, and the personal circumstances that influence these decisions. The conversation …
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In this episode of Jumping The Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the pitfalls of traditional retirement planning, emphasizing the difference between average and actual rates of return on investments. He illustrates how misleading averages can lead to poor financial decisions and outlines strategies for effective retirement planning, including the impo…
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In this episode of Jumping the Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the persistent theme of market volatility and its implications for investors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends, particularly in relation to tariffs and consumer confidence. Ed shares historical data on market performance, highlighting the significance of divers…
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In this episode of Jumping the Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the critical impact of taxes and fees on wealth accumulation and retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different types of taxes, the distinction between marginal and effective tax rates, and the necessity of a coordinated tax strategy. The conversation also c…
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In this episode, Ed Bao emphasizes the critical role of balance in financial planning. He discusses the importance of maintaining equilibrium among the components of a financial plan, including savings, defense, and growth. Ed highlights common pitfalls that lead to imbalance and stresses the need for a well-rounded approach, particularly regarding…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the economic landscape of 2025, highlighting positive themes such as strong corporate earnings, ongoing interest rate cuts, and the impact of technology innovation. He also addresses potential concerns including geopolitical risks and inflation. The conversation delves into GDP growth expectations, the role of the …
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In this episode, Ed Bao reflects on the past year and guides listeners through a goal-setting exercise for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing positive events from the previous year, articulating specific goals for the upcoming year, and understanding the emotional connection to these goals.He also talks about the significance of writ…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses essential tax strategies for individuals and business owners to maximize their tax refunds and minimize liabilities. He highlights five hidden ways to boost tax refunds and for business owners, he emphasizes the importance of understanding corporate structure and planning for retirement contributions. The episode c…
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In this episode of Jumping the Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the importance of staying committed to your financial plan. He emphasizes the need for an open mind when formulating a plan and the significance of emotional and mental commitment to achieving financial goals. Ed highlights the role of a financial advisor as a coach, guiding clients thro…
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The 4 most Common Mistakes With A Financial Plan
10:11
10:11
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10:11In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the four most common mistakes in financial planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding savings rates, protecting assets and income, wisely allocating funds, and avoiding a 'set it and forget it' mentality. He provides insights into how these mistakes can derail financial plans and offers guidance on how t…
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In this episode of Jumping the Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the importance of flexibility in financial planning, particularly in relation to bonds and annuities. He explains the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices, highlighting the challenges faced in 2022. Ed advocates for the use of annuities as a potential replacement f…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the intricacies of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the accumulation and distribution phases. He uses the metaphor of mountain climbing to illustrate the journey of financial planning, highlighting the risks associated with market volatility and the need for a comprehensive fina…
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In this episode of Jumping the Wealth Curve, Ed Bao discusses the relationship between elections and investment strategies. He emphasizes the importance of staying the course with a diversified portfolio, regardless of political changes. Ed shares insights on market volatility during election periods and the historical performance of investments un…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses how to achieve what you want in life, whether it's in financial planning or personal goals. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals and being willing to make changes to reach those goals. Ed also talks about the power of the subconscious mind and the need for repetition and habit formation to reprogram our th…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the concept of a financial toolbox and why it is important for financial planners to have a wide range of tools at their disposal. He emphasizes the need for a maximization mindset and explains how having a limited toolbox can hinder the effectiveness of a financial plan. Ed also highlights the importance of workin…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses why insurance is often seen as a four-letter word. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the protection component in financial planning and addresses the emotional resistance people have towards insurance. Ed explains that insurance is a crucial part of a comprehensive financial strategy and highlights the …
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Welcome back, in this episode Ed discusses the importance of maximizing wealth during the accumulation phase of a financial plan. He emphasizes the need for a maximization mindset and making sure that every component of the plan, including protection, savings, and growth, is maximized. The conversation highlights the limitations of goal-based plann…
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Many pre-retirees believe that retiring at age 65 is unattainable and expect to face more challenges in retirement than their parents or grandparents. As a result, a significant percentage of pre-retirees plan to work longer or live on less money to supplement their retirement. COVID-19 has also shifted people's perception of retirement and the imp…
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No it's not the latest board game, in this episode Ed Bao discusses the concept of playing the game of money and the five rules of the financial institution. He explains that financial institutions want to make you comfortable giving them your money, have you contribute on an ongoing basis, hang on to your money for as long as possible, give you ba…
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Sit back while Ed discusses the mid-year state of the markets and the economy. He provides data on the performance of various indices and highlights the outperformance of growth stocks over value stocks. He also explores the concept of market concentration, with the 'magnificent seven' tech stocks driving the overall market returns. Ed addresses co…
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This podcast discusses the expiration of the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2025 and its potential impact on tax breaks. Ed provides an overview of the tax law changes, including permanent tax cuts for corporations, lowered tax rates for individuals, and increased standard deductions. It also highlights the adjustments made to home mortgage and…
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Growth - The Final Step In Wealth Creation
15:21
15:21
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15:21In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the importance of the growth component in wealth creation. He emphasizes the need to prioritize protection and savings before focusing on growth. Ed explains that the protection component addresses risks such as death and disability, while the savings component ensures a solid financial foundation. He then delves i…
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Savings: The Start To Financial Independence
24:20
24:20
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24:20In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the importance of the savings component in financial planning. He explains the different parts of savings including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, credit union accounts, annuities, Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and 401(k) accounts. Ed highlights the pros an…
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Summary In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the importance of the protection component in a financial plan. He emphasizes that protection is the first and most crucial step in building wealth. Ed explains that the protection component includes various types of insurance and he also mentions government protection programs like social security and Medi…
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In this episode, Ed Bao provides a market update for the first quarter of 2024. He discusses the performance of various indices and the unusual relationship between interest rates and the stock market. He also talks about the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and the projected rate cuts for the year. Ed also emphasizes the importance of …
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the concept of making market volatility your friend. He starts by introducing the idea of financial pressures and how they can be both positive and negative. He then focuses on the investment side of financial planning and the importance of becoming friendly with market volatility. Ed shares historical data on mark…
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In this episode, Ed Bao and Rob Marks discuss the attributes of the ultimate financial product. They cover topics such as tax breaks, performance, trust in company and product, easy access to funds, transparency, contribution limits, money outside the product, fees and costs, estate planning and inheritance, long-term care benefits, and creditor pr…
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Let Yourself Be Free to Unlock Your Retirement.
23:25
23:25
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23:25In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the importance of unlocking your retirement potential and the role of financial planning in achieving a stress-free retirement. He emphasizes the need to control what you can control and build contingencies into your plan for unpredictability. Ed highlights the significance of focusing on income streams and underst…
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One of the constants in American life is taxes. In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the role of taxes in eroding wealth and explains the importance of tax planning in retirement. He cautions against relying solely on qualified accounts and deferring taxes, as this strategy may not always result in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Ed talks about the…
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In this episode, Ed Bao emphasizes the importance of the savings component in a financial plan. He talks about giving yourself a gut check and really evaluate your financial plans at the beginning of the year. You need to understand the factors that affect the savings rate, such as taxes, inflation, planned obsolescence, and technological change. E…
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In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the importance of the wealth curve in financial planning. He explains how the wealth curve was born and how it serves as a simulation tool and laboratory, allowing clients to see the impact of different variables on their financial plans. Ed emphasizes the core concepts of reducing taxes, risk, and fees, while incr…
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The State of real Estate and How We Got here
26:28
26:28
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26:28In this episode, Ed Bao discusses the current state of the real estate market, how we got here and where it's heading. He covers topics such as interest rates, home prices, affordability, and the impact of Federal Reserve policies. He also goes over how other factors like supply and demand, new construction, and phantom inventory are affecting the …
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I Want My Tax Credits, How Do I Get Started?
30:27
30:27
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30:27Ed & Rickie Taylor of Retirement Plan Consultants are back to talk about the ways New jersey business owners can get their tax credits. Under the federally passed Secure Act 2.0 and the proposed NJ secure act, business owners of 20 or more employees have the opportunity to provide a retirement plan for their employees. Find out how this could work …
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Ep 10 Business Owners, Are You Taking Advantage Of These New Tax Credits?
31:22
31:22
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31:22In this episode Ed talks with Rickie Taylor , Regional Director for Retirement Plan Consultants. Ed & Rickie work closely together to help you, their clients, improve your financial plans and retirement outcomes. And, of course, one of the biggest considerations in retirement is trying to reduce taxes. This episode dives into the strategies and upd…
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Ep 08 How Financial Advisors Work For You
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27:44Ed talks with Patrick Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder of Signal Advisors. A great in-depth conversation about the world of being a financial advisor and what they cand do for you as you head towards retirement. All the puzzle pieces of retirement have to fit together, and Ed & Patrick talk about the best way to find a financial advisor and how they work to…
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Ep 09 Independent Advisor + Retirement Planning Is A Winning Combination
30:07
30:07
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30:07In this 2nd part of Ed's podcast, he continues his talk with Patrick Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder of Signal Advisors. These 2 titans of the industry discuss in-depth what being a financial advisor is really about. Listen as Ed & Pat talk about what they can do for you to be sure you have all the pieces to your retirement puzzle to ensure you achieve you…
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In this episode, Ed Bao describes how to map out your income streams to match your lifestyle. What are your options to create more income streams? Find out how many potential sources of retirement income are available. Ed also shares his 5-step process for setting your personal and financial goals. Join us every week as Ed Bao helps you navigate th…
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Ed Bao tackles healthcare challenges in retirement and how to make sure you and your family are protected. An unexpected health issue could mean a financial crisis for you as well. Ed makes talks insurance coverage and other ways to be ready if your health is in jeopardy. Join us every week as Ed Bao helps you navigate the sometimes rocky waters of…
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Ep 05 What To Do When The Market Gets Stormy
20:42
20:42
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20:42In this episode, Ed talks about the importance of keeping calm during a stormy stock market. He helps to weed through the headlines, what is actually affecting the market and what it all means to your portfolio. Ed also gives a historical perspective on stock market highs, lows, and corrections as well. Join us every week as Ed Bao helps you naviga…
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Are as confused about your credit score as a lot of us? In this episode, Ed Bao details how your credit score is determined and why regularly checking your score is so important. Ed also compares a credit score to a credit report. What’s the difference? And he shares a tip on how to access your credit report up to 3 times per year. Join us every we…
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The road from motocross to financial planning. Ed Bao shares how his passion for racing relates to financial planning. It’s all about planning, protection, minimizing risk, and reaching your goals. In this episode, Ed talks about these things and more that can help you get through your retirement years. Join us every week as Ed Bao helps you naviga…
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Ed Bao talks retirement strategy. Where does your income stream come from in retirement? Social security? 401k’s? Do you have a plan to help you get through those retirement years? A solid plan that help you when things aren’t going well with the economy? Ed talks about what it takes to be sure you’re ready. Join us every week as Ed Bao helps you n…
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Ed talks more about retirement income, beyond the default strategy he discussed on the last podcast. What does climbing the mountain mean? Are you doing on the right path to get to the summit in retirement? As Ed says, there are no do overs in retirement so be sure you’re doing what it takes while you’re climbing that mountain. What’s your magic nu…
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