Today on Money Matters with Dino, Eric Morgenson from Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions talks with Dino Non-qualified mortgages. What is a non-qualified loan? Well simply, when the borrower's debt to income ratio exceeds more than 35%.  

For more information: 

Call Dino at 949-720-1616 or send an email at dino@cacoastalloans.com

Here are just a few things you will learn:

• If a loan is not done properly meaning the consumer does not have the income to repay loan, then the lender can be sued for the full amount of the loan, so lenders must be careful.
• Taxes are not a good indicator of income.  A better indicator than taxes of someone’s income is bank statements and deposits. 
• Add up 12 months of deposits minus the client expenses and divide by 12, that’s the income. 
• These are not the same loans that caused the last recession, because there is no sub-prime credit.  The loans are private money and interest rates are based on the risk to the lender.  The more the borrower puts down and the better their credit score, the lower the rate. 
• When considering Alternative Loans look at the dollar cost average over the life of the loan.
• What happens when there’s a bankruptcy?  It can be as soon as 2 years out of a bankruptcy. 
• There are even programs for foreign investors wanting to buy property.

For more information: 

Call Dino at 949-720-1616 or send an email at dino@cacoastalloans.com

Parents beware that student loan debt is now higher than credit card debt in America. Start with a plan for your child early and make sure that everyone understands the goal...avoiding student loans!  Here’s an idea. Instead of buying toys and gifts, contribute to the higher education savings account.  In this episode Financial Executive from Trilogy Financial Services Daniel Lungu gives great tips for parents and their kids alike to help avoid the crushing results of high student loan debt.  Also in studio with Daniel and Dino is Shelley, a real life example of the student loan crisis. Here’s just a few examples of what you’ll hear:

• Teach your children to work for compensation from a young age.
• Teach your children about saving.
• Consider community college for the first two years.
• Find out everything you can about grants and scholarships.
• Know what you want to do as a career before you enroll.
• Understand what to expect from college.
• Credit Cards Interest Rates
• Treat your education like a job.
• Federal Loans vs. Private Loans
• Getting a job in the professional world.

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Now is the time to review your finances particularly how taxes during the distribution of retirement will affect your nest egg.  Having the right Financial Planner on your side can literally mean millions in tax savings if things are handled properly and at the right time. In this episode Regional Vice President of Trilogy Financial Services Kevin Leon comes on to set the record straight.  He and Dino discuss:

• IRA/Roth IRA contributions
• Who qualifies for IRA deductions
• Who qualifies for Roth IRA contributions
• Coverdell ESA.  Who qualifies and who much you can contribute
• Charitable Contributions made id 2015
• Realized Capital losses

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How can an alternative investment such as Mortgage Funds and Trust Deeds be less risky than the traditional investing?  Dino’s guest the CEO of Alliance Portfolio James Perry tells us why Real Estate Investing is not only a safer way to invest, but he shows us how it can completed managed and stress free for the investor.  In this episode you’ll learn:

• What is a Trust Deed & Mortgage Fund
• Who invests in each alternative
• Where is the risk in this type of investment
• How are properties chosen for a Mortgage Fund
• How are Mortgage Funds & Trust Deeds Managed
• What types of returns can you expect
• Much more...

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A Self-Directed IRA is an IRA that can invest alternative assets such as Trust Deeds and Mortgage Funds.  This is why on today’s show, Dino invited on the perfect combination of experts to talk about the marriage of this terrific investment vehicle with a fantastic alternative investment. As always, there’s a lot to consider, but when set up properly this type of strategy can yield great results.  In this episode Kaaren Hall from UDirect IRA Services and James Perry CEO of Alliance Portfolio discuss:

• How a Self-Directed IRA works
• Why Trust Deeds & Mortgage Funds work so well in Self-Directed IRA’s
• Tax Implications of the Self-Directed IRA
• What is a Trust Deed & Mortgage Fund
• What types of property are inside a Mortgage Fund
• What to expect from your investments
• much more...

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The number one reason that people don’t invest in Real Estate is fear. Fear of picking the wrong property, fear of being a landlord and fear of a down market.  What if you could invest in prime Orange County Real Estate without the fear or the hassle? Our guest CEO of Alliance Portfolio, James Perry is here to us about how this is accomplished by utilizing Trust Deed Investments.  Here’s a few things you’ll learn:

• The difference between Trust Deeds & Private Mortgage Funds.
• Owning property vs. owning paper.
• Types of property to invest in.
• Making sure a borrower has skin in the game.
• The evolution of regulation and Private Money Lending.
• Loan to Value % for typical loan terms.
• Areas that have intrinsic value.
• Bridge loans and how they work.
• Fees of a Trust Deed Investment.
• What it takes to be an investor.
• How long does an investor need to stay in a trust deed.

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Are you a frustrated investor because it’s too difficult to predict the market?  What if you could invest in a fund that is secured by prime Orange County Real Estate without the hassle? Our guest CEO of Alliance Portfolio, James Perry is here to us why a diversified Private Mortgage Fund is the answer to your frustration and a greta investment. Here’s a few things you’ll learn:

• The nature of private money lending.
• Liquidity – how long does an investor need to be in.
• How loans are chosen.
• Why people typically use a hard money loan.
• What makes a safe vs. risky investment.
• A tax efficient and fee efficient investment.
• Mitigating losses during a recession.
• Mortgage Funds with fractional interests.
• Fees of a Private Mortgage Fund.
• What it takes to be an investor.
• Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate.

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After hurting herself badly, Noelle Hipke began aquatic therapy where she was exposed to and was given a real affinity and understanding of seniors.   Soon she decided that her career would transition towards helping seniors with the different challenges that they face.  In this show Noelle speaks with Dino with authority on the following topics:

• Helping seniors with their financial decisions
• Senior Real Estate Specialists
• Reverse Mortgages for Seniors
• In-home care and how to prepare
• Assisted Living Communities
• Estate Planning (wills & trust)
• Streamlining transitions for seniors
• Redirecting emotions and goals
• Identifying the uniques needs of each senior and family
• Identifying Markers for the time to change
• Quality of life for seniors

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When you don’t understand how your money works, you will never have any.  James Harnsberger is an Enrolled Tax Agent and has discovered the keys to getting wealthy, by mastering your time, committing to a plan and getting started now.  Poverty to some degree is a choice in this country because people don’t know where to start.

• Teaching your children good financial principles.
• Mastering your Time
• Making your money work for you.
• Master your spending
• Understanding how taxes work
• Creating a realistic budget
• Learning what you did not know
• Tracking every dollar you spend
• Paying yourself first
• The 10/20/70 rule.
• Being responsible stewards
• “I can’t” means “I won’t”
• Accumulation, Preservation & Transfer

Check out the “Richest Man In Babylon”

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How do you ensure that you work with the highest level of productivity at all times? Why is that important in Real Estate when you have the option to work when you want?  Selling Real Estate is competitive and you must set a high standard of integrity if you want to serve your clients properly and receive referral after referral.   If you want to be your own boss with a successful Real Estate career, stay tuned.  

On today's show Valerie Torelli from Torelli Realty talks to Dino about the value a top realtor brings to their clients!  Here are some of the things he discussed:

• What a high productivity day looks like
• The things most people won't do
• How to have the conversations you dread
• Mentoring young realtors
• Showing up authentically
• The Four Agreements

Selling or buying propertyin Orange County?  Call Valerie Torelli at 714-540-7355 or email him at valerie@valerietorelli.com

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Have you looked at your finances lately?  The end of the year leading up to Jan 1st is the best time to have a financial check-up.  You'd be surprised what you can do for your portfolio when you talk with someone who thinks long-term wealth accumulation and distribution.  

On today's show Daniel Lungu from Trilogy Financial gives tips to make YOUR financial Check-up for 2016, a success!  Here are some of the things he discussed:

• Creating a Budget
• Having A Liquid Cushion
• Starting Small
• Retirement Contributions
• Beneficiary Reviews
• Protection Planning
• Student Loan Forgiveness

For Your end of year financial check-up contact Daniel Lungu at 562-544-8833.

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Are you buying or selling property in LA, but using a Real Estate agent from Orange County or vice versa?  Your making a huge mistake.  The virtues of not only each county, but each city are completely different and therefore the property in those cities needs to be approached in a different way.  It's crucial that you find an agent that's very aware of the Idiosyncrasies in your area.

In this show, Real Estate Agents Jay O'Brien from Prestige ReMax Costa Mesa and Jennifer Fematt from the John Aaroe Group LA discuss the specific qualities of their respective areas and the qualities you should expect from your Real Estate agent. Below are some of the topics they discussed:

• Is trust more important than skill set?
• Work ethic of a great Real Estate Agent
• Running your RE business like a true business
• Mentoring your clients
• Process of listing a property
• Process of buying a property
• Putting ego and profit aside and accomplishing your client's goals
• Relationships between opposing agents
• Beware of agents who double-dip
• Negotiating into a win, win, win deal
• Running a successful open house

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What makes a great Real Estate Agent?  How do you know when you sit down with someone that they’re looking out for your best interests? Today on the show Dino talks with a top Realtor from the prestigious John Aaroe Group, Jennifer Fematt about practical ways to establish whether you’re working with the right Real Estate Agent for your needs.  You’ll hear thing like:

• Who’s investing in LA Real Estate and why
• The difference between the different communities in LA
• Boutique firms vs. brand name Real Estate Agencies
• Real Estate Agent/customer relationships
• What servicing a client really means

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Insurance is not something that many people like to talk about or understand.  There are so many options that it becomes overwhelming to even consider what's right your you and your family, but it must be done.  In this episode Mike Leon from Trilogy Financial Services teaches a course on our show we call Life Insurance 101.  Here are just a few of the things we talked about:

• Accelerated Benefit Ryders
• Term Insurance
• Permanent, Whole & Universal Life Insurance
• Long Term Care vs. ABR 1,2 & 3

In today's crazy market what types of moves should you make to secure your retirement?  Nothing is guaranteed, but having a professional advisor to help predict all the possibilities that might happen in every market correction in the future.  .

In this episode, Kevin Leon the Regional VP of Trilogy Financial Services goes into details about today's ups and downs in the stock market.  Dino and Kevin discuss topics like:

• Structuring for college and restructuring as it gets close
• Equity and Income for retirement
• Gov't, municipal and corporate bonds
• Managing clients emotions during an unstable market
• Interest rates and their affect on the economy

Nobody like talking about taxes, but here's the thing...a good tax strategy can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as prevent the IRS from ever knocking on your door.

On this show James Harnsberger from JSN & Associates talks to Dino about tax efficient planning that everyone can benefit from as long as they have the right advisors in their corner.  Here are just some of the things Dino talked to James about:

1. Enrolled agents and what their function can be during your audit.
2. Offer and Compromise
3. Defending Americans Against the IRS
4. Six Steps to Wealth
5. How to avoid an audit

There are very consistent traits of people with a high credit score.  For example, two-thirds have less than $8,500 in total debt balances excluding mortgages, 96% have no missed payments on their credit reports and high achievers use an average of 7% of their available credit on credit cards.

Derek Boyd from Credit Law Solutions is highly respected in the area of credit repair supported by a very high number of 5 star reviews on yelp.  In this episode Derek explains in detail what credit means and how it can be improved.  Here are some of the questions Dino asked Derek:

• How does credit repair work?
• What is the Best Credit Score Possible?
• What are the factors that contribute to a high credit score?
• Is credit repair a quick fix or does it last?
• How much does credit repair cost?
• Can you help someone through a Bankruptcy?

The investments in your retirement account can be self-directed by you. Most IRAs are typically invested in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. With a self-directed IRA from, as the name implies, you make the investment choices. The types of investments are almost limitless.

On this show Kaaren Hall from UDirect IRA Services, LLC talks to Dino about the benefits of using a self-directed IRA.  Here are just some of the questions Dino asked Kaaren:

*  Is Self-Directing for everyone?

*  Can my IRA borrow money?

*  How long does it take to self-direct an IRA

*  When I open an IRA do I get a checkbook?

*  Is self-directing my retirement something new?

*  What kinds of assets can I invest in with a self-directed IRA?

*  Can I use my SDIRA as a down-payment on a house?

The market’s at an all time high, but talking heads are preparing for a good point drop.  What should you do?

On this show Certified Financial Planner Bart Zandbergen talks to Dino about what to do with your money.  Here are just some of the tips Bart had for Dino:

1. Disregard Short Term Forecasts.
2. Avoid Self Destructive Investor Behavior.
3. Using A Systematic Approach.

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Times have changed and so have the concerns of those in their 20’s.  Graduating college today and jumping into the workforce with a good paying job is far from automatic anymore, so what do millennials do?

On this show Certified Financial Planner Daniel Lungo  from Trilogy Financial talks to Dino about the 10 most frequent financial concerns of millennials.  Here are just some of the questions Dino asked Colleen:

1. I finally got a job that offers retirement benefits, should I contribute and how much?
2. How should I select my investments?
3. What should I do with money above my employer match?
4. Is life insurance important in my early years?
5. I am moving to another firm, what should I do with my qualified plan?
6. How can I get rid of credit card debt?
7. Should I use department store credit cards? Cash back credit cards? Or any other reward cards?
8. Helpful budgeting tips to free extra cash?
9. How to overcome financial difficulties during the first year of marriage?
10. Strategies to save for a child’s education
11. Divorce, Death, or Inheritance what should be some of the top consideration

Divorce is on the rise again.  Have you ever sat down to calculate the cost of getting divorced?  How does 6 figures sound to start?

On this show Colleen McNamee from McNamee Mediations and Certified Financial Planner Bart Zandbergen talk to Dino about the enormous financial and emotional cost of divorce.  Here are just some of the questions Dino asked Colleen:

• When Child Support drops off, does that affect your support? What does the court look at in determining spousal/child support?
• What if your spouse refuses to get a job?
• Do you believe alimony should end?
• After a divorce when you’re starting over, what’s the quickest wat to rebuild financial stability?

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Nobody like talking about divorce, but here’s the thing…if you don’t you can cost yourself tens of thousands of dollars.

On this show Colleen McNamee from McNamee Mediations talks to Dino about the problems that divorce causes for your retirement plans and social security.  Here are just some of the questions Dino asked Colleen:

1. How about social security? I’ve been told my ex-wife get my benefit but my current wife won’t?
2. What happens when a couple refinances a property that belonged to one spouse before the marriage and then they get divorced?
3. What happens to property in a divorce with spouse being deported because of the lack of a green card?
4. How do I get my marital share of my husband’s retirement plan?
5. When child support drops off, does that affect your spousal support amount?

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 Nobody like talking about taxes, but here's the thing...a good retirement tax strategies can save you and your heirs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

On this show David Huisinga from Trilogy Financial Services talks to Dino about tax efficient retirement planning that everyone can benefit from as long as they have the right advisors in their corner.  Here are just some of the questions Dino asked David:

1.  What are the most common ways to save for retirement?

2.  Of the different types of plans, which is the most tax efficient?

3.  Don't most people want annual tax deductions?

4.  What is a Roth 401k?

5.  What do you do if your employer doesn't offer a Roth 401K?

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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How can your financial planner help you feel truly comfortable that your retirement savings and income will be there when the time comes?  Have you ever heard of portfolio stress testing for retirees?  Nothing is guaranteed, but it’s a really good use of technology to help predict all the possibilities that might happen in every market correction in the future.  This is the way to be sure you can ride out a Bear market without dipping into your market investments at the wrong time.

In this episode, Kevin Leon the Regional VP of Trilogy Financial Services goes into details about the portfolio stress test.  Dino and Jeff discuss topics like:

• How do you test the stress of a portfolio?
• What role does diversification play in retirement?
• How does a written financial plan relate to a stress test?
• Is there a particular age group for which you use Monte Carlo testing?
• What are key questions that make sure that a financial planner is compatible with the client?

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Many people who have gone through divorce site it as their darkest time.  In fact, the divorce statistics are so staggering in Southern California that it’s truly amazing that people get married at all.

In this show Colleen McNamee from McNamee Mediations came on to discuss the Top 10 Reasons for Divorce.  Here are some of the highlights:

• What’re the divorce trends currently?
• Why choose mediation over a divorce attorney?
• Does a no fault state make divorce more difficult or easier?
• How does a mediator handle the emotions of a divorce?
• What are the divorce rates in Southern California?
• Financial difference between mediation and attorney legal fees?

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The bottom line when it comes to good financial planning is to put your goals in writing starting today through the moment you pass your assets to your heirs.  Writing your goals into a sound financial strategy has an incredible ability to clear and focus your mind and habits.

In this episode, Jeff Seuferling from Trilogy Financial Services discusses the process of writing a solid financial plan.  Dino and Jeff discuss topics like:

• Planning with a low income
• Leveraging time to create wealth
• The Evolution of the Written Financial Plan
• Technology and the Financial Plan

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Making the decision to be an Entrepreneur is not an easy one.  It’s filled with fears and doubts, but also the excitement of possibilities.  The great thing is that no matter what industry you are in, the fundamentals of owning your own business are the same.

In this episode, Justin Williams from House Flipping HQ is on to discuss how he went from debt to flipping over 400 houses.  Dino and Justin discuss topics such as:

• How focus will make you rich
• Knowledge leads to success
• Building A System For Flipping Houses
• Business Coaching
• Preparing For A Changing Market
• Having A Partner vs. Do It Yourself
• “The E-myth”

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Would you like some practical tips for financial success?  Of course you would and here’s why.  Regardless of whether you make a lot of money or not, you can have a healthy retirement if you follow a few simple rules.

In this show Kevin Leon, the Regional VP of Trilogy Financial Services will change your perspective in 30 minutes of great information.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Paying off Credit Cards for success
• When to pay off the house
• Using cash
• To buy or lease a car
• Difference between a Roth IRA vs a Regular IRA
• Unmet expectations
• Finances

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Credit has been both an incredible benefit and detriment to Americans over the years depending entirely on how diligent someone had been.  Good credit can save you thousands of dollars a year, while bad credit can cost you thousands a year.  The challenge is that so often what the credit bureaus are looking for is not only confusing, but it changes consistently.

Derek Boyd from Credit Law Solutions is highly respected in the area of credit repair supported by a very high number of 5 star reviews on yelp.  In this episode Derek explains in detail what credit means and how it can be improved.  Here are some of the questions Dino asked Derek:

• What’s the normal amount you can increase someone’s credit score?
• What makes a good credit repair company?
• Can you help anyone repair their credit?
• Is credit repair a quick fix or does it last?
• How much does credit repair cost?
• Can you help someone through a Bankruptcy?

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Why would you want to work your whole lives just to give all of your assets away to the government and other 3rd parties at the time of your death?  The answer is that you wouldn’t;  nor would you want to have little or no control over medical decisions if you’re injured.

Tom Walden, Senior VP of Investments with Trilogy Financial Services came on to discuss these and other very impactful reasons to sit down with an estate planning professional.

• Why is estate planning important for your clients?
• What is probate and/or what would trigger probate?
• What does Guardianship for Minors mean?
• Are there taxes due at someone’s death?
• As A Financial Advisor How can you help a client save on Estate Taxes?
• How do your clients start the estate planning process

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Divorce is a painful process that can rob a couple of their dignity and their finances.  In fact, many people who have gone through divorce site it as their darkest time.  What if there were a process that would allow you to save money on the lawyers fees and deal with each other in a way that would help you to maintain a friendship?  Better still, what if you could avoid divorce entirely through proper planning and communication?

In this show Colleen McNamee from McNamee Mediations came on to discuss the Top 10 Reasons for Divorce.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Getting married for the wrong reasons
• Lack of individual identity
• Becoming Lost in the Roles
• Not having a shared vision for success
• The intimacy dissappears
• Unmet expectations
• Finances

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Wing Lam is the Co-Founder of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and the epitome of a marketing entrepreneur.  In this fascinating show Wing gave a no-holds-barred account of how he built the Wahoo’s empire from one location on the beach of Southern California to 65 locations in 7 states.

"The lowest person on the totem pole in your organization needs to be able to execute." - Wing Lam

• Tell me about your business…  What do you guys do and who is your client?
• How did you come up with it?
• Did you have a partner when you first started?
• Did you have the money yourself to start or did you borrow from someone or institution?
• Did you have an MBA like business plan or did you bootstrap it?
• Tell me about those days
• Is today’s business different from how it use to be?
• What do you think of today’s generation as apposed to yours (if different)?

Many times talking about life insurance can feel like an uncomfortable conversation, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  If you work with the right professional what you’ll realize is that it’s really just about doing the math so that your family is protected.  Life insurance can take care of things like replacing your income, paying off debt, funding college plans and leveraging estate tax issues.

In this show the Regional VP of Trilogy Financial Kevin Leon breaks down the types of life insurance you will need based on your current situation and future goals.  Here are some of the questions Dino asked Kevin:

• Why should people have life insurance?

• What types of insurance are available today?

• How much insurance does a typical family man need?

• Is work term life insurance any good?

• What are accelerated benefit riders and do all life insurance policies have these available?

• What could happen if people do not have coverage and something happens?

Financial Compatibility is a very important thing to a relationship and yet it's almost always ignored.  It's true that it's an uncomfortable conversation to have at the beginning because it requires complete trust and transparency, but it is surprisingly simple once you get into it.  Setting your priorities like retirement and college tuition can bring a couple together and make your financial path incredibly clear.

Jeff Motske is the CEO of Trilogy Financial and came on to discuss his new book "The Couples Guide To Financial Compatibility" as well as his financial planning theory he calls "setting up your financial house". There is a lot of practical and educational information in this show. Here are some of the questions Jeff answered:

• What prompted the writing of your book"The Couples Guide To Financial Compatibility?"

• Who is the book written for?

• What advice can you give for balancing money talk with romance?

• What are some of the most commonly overlooked money matters that cause conflict?

• Can you explain what you call "Your Financial House"

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Annuities are very misunderstood.  What kind do you go into?  What are they for exactly?  Can they grow significantly for retirement?  There are so many options, some not good at all and some very good depending on where you are in your planning.  It’s important to sit down with someone who really understands the Annuities so that you match your needs with the right vehicle.

Certified Financial Planner, Cary Boring from Trilogy Financial in Huntington Beach California came on the show to educate us on the good, the bad and the ugly in the realm of annuities. Here’s just some of the things Dino and Cary talked about.

1. What type of Annuities are available and why would you choose one of another?
2. How does the guarantee work with and Annuity?
3. Is there a minimum buy in to an Annuity?
4. What age groups benefit most from Annuities?
5. What should a client look at to be sure that they’re getting the right Annuity?

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Getting ready for retirement is a lot trickier than most people realize. For example, did you know that you need at least 70% of your current income as income in retirement?  Well how do you generate that income without a large amount of investment that's had years to compound?  There's also things to consider like, when to take social security for maximum benefit and how do you set retirement up for the greatest tax advantages.

Kevin Leon, VP of Trilogy Financial talks with Dino about what it really takes to retire and the type of analysis and financial planning the you must do to make sure you're ready.  Don't find yourself having to work longer than you want to or even worse, don't run out of money in retirement.  Check out this show and get educated.

Here are some of the questions Dino asked Kevin:

• How do I figure out how much I will need in assets to be able to retire?

• When should I take social security?

• Are pensions taxable?

• What is distribution planning?

For past shows and to learn more about the Money matters With Dino community, check us out at www.moneymatterswithdino.com 

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Help us spread the word. Please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Being a corporate attorney is all about giving sound legal advice to prevent the big problems from happening. Unfortunately, most people don’t call a corporate attorney for advice, they call for crisis management.

Jay Thompson, Corporate Attorney and Partner in Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, LLC.  came on to give incredible advice about how to properly set up a business so that you’re protected and can grow toward a sale.

Here are some of the questions Dino asked:

1. What’s the best way to properly use a corporate attorney?

2. Why would someone choose one entity over another?

3. What’s the difference between ann LLC vs. an S. Corp?

4. What drives the sales price of your company, profits or revenue?

5. Has financing eased up for smaller businesses?

College tuition is up 7-8% annually and has been on that trend for quite a while, so what should parents do?  What are the most effective ways to save in this inflationary environment?

Kevin Leon, the Regional Vice President for Trilogy Financial provided some great advice regarding highly effective ways to budget and prepare for this enormous expense.  Among them is taking advantage of in-state 529 plans and the distribution of those funds if the child chooses not to attend college.  Kevin and Dino also spoke about:

Many businesses struggle with adapting to a changing business environment.  It’s admittedly difficult when your new customer base thinks, buys and interacts very differently from your last generation of customers.   We call this phenomenon, the “Entrepreneurial Shift” and it can be extremely challenging for a business owner to navigate.

Fortunately Aaron Hodson (the CEO of Harcourts USA and Dino’s personal business coach) came on the show to discuss the mindset an entrepreneur must have if he wants to be successful, while growing his business in an ever changing marketplace.

Here are some of the questions Dino asked Aaron during the show:

• What were the biggest challenges you faced when you went from employee to entrepreneur?

• How different is the workday and style of doing business in other countries?

• Tell me about both the first 60 minutes and last 60 minutes of your day.

• What is the most useful advice you’ve ever been given?

• Do you have a favorite book you can recommend to entrepreneurs?

• Steve, Life Insurance can be a difficult subject for a lot of people, most people don’t know where to start when it comes to Life Insurance. Help our listeners out, what are some reasons people need Life Insurance?

• It seems like there are a lot of products on the market, this can be confusing and overwhelming for some people. Tell us about the different Life Insurance Products?

•  True or False Question Steve: I have Group Life Insurance through my employer, is this sufficient?

• How much life insurance does someone need?

• A lot of people are unsure on how much to buy. What are some things to think about in picking the amount?

• Does a stay at home parent who doesn’t work need life insurance?

• The thought is, my spouse is the breadwinner, they will continue to work when I am gone, why would I need a policy?

• I hear a lot of single people say “no one will suffer when I die”, why would a young single person need life insurance?

• You said earlier that Life Insurance can help with retirement, walk us through this?

• I have heard of Business Partners buying Life Insurance, why would you need Life Insurance as a business partner.  What if someone has a very large estate, why would this person need any Life Insurance?

• We talked a lot about what we should so when it comes to Life Insurance, are there some “Don’t do’s” with Life Insurance?

Studies are showing that some seven million Americans have a secret bank account or credit card account that their spouses know nothing about -- and most of those doing the hiding are men, according to the study…..

Financial expert Kimberly Foss says “financial infidelity is more common than people think, and if anything, it’s on the rise.” Here today to answer some of our listener questions on this surprising and intriguing topic is our TLP, Colleen McNamee of MCNAMEE MEDIATIONS.

1) It’s surprising to think that this could even happen! I mean, don’t couples pay attention to their account information and spending habits?

- Many spouses keep separate bank accounts and have 1 joint checking or savings that they operate out of

- Typical household, one spouse is in charge of the finances

- Shadier side: Spouses who have side businesses the other spouse doesn’t know about

2) Real case example: Married 27 years. Joint accounts until children were grown and out of house. Always had financial arguments throughout marriage so they separated their accounts after children were moved out. No more financial disagreements

– it was great! Years later the couple grew apart and decided they wanted to divorce. It was amicable, or so they thought……the divocre process much messier and more complicated than it ever should have been. Severely fractured their relationship forever

3) How do spouses even catch onto to this double financial life?

- Studies show that more than 90% of couple don’t discover financial infidelity in their relationship until there is a) a death in the family, or) divorce

4) What are the red flags that spouses should be looking for to prevent this problem from spiraling out of control and destroying their marriage? Red flags to look for are missing or misdirected financial statements and of course, the obvious one is if there’s missing cash in the accounts. *Trust your instincts

5) Shocking little factoids: Results from a national survey find 1 in 5 married couples have spent over $500 per year without their partners knowledge;

- Secret spending and hiding money is 50% more common among men, BUT times have changed and women are more independent with their finances now than ever before, so secret spending and hiding money is definitely on the rise.

- One source quoted "Younger women are a little bit more independent and think differently these days. They think more, in my opinion, of themselves as a separate entity."

6) Colleen, what is your expert advice to couples who think there might be some financial infidelity going on in their marriage?

So you think women don't enjoy talking about wealth strategy and finances?  Well allow me to introduce you to Certified Financial Planner Maria Kutscher.  Take a look at Maria's credentials:

• Certified Financial Planner
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant
• Accredited Asset Management Specialist
• Founder & CEO, Allovest

Here are some of the questions Dino asked Maria on this episode:

1)      What do you think is one of the biggest risks for investors this year, that they aren’t aware of?

2)      So what can investors do, what are some strategies to protect the bonds in your portfolio not if, but when interest rates start to rise?

3)      What’s going on with oil and should we be adding energy to our portfolios?

4)      We’ve just finished 6 straight years of stock market gains… can we make it to 7 years this year?

5)      Most investors have some international stocks in their portfolio…. Given what’s happening overseas, what’s the update here?

6)      Mutual funds or ETF’s… What’s the difference and are investors better off with one versus other?

7)      Given your experience in designing investment portfolios, what do you feel is the key to a successful long-term investing strategy?

The big mistake that people make when they start earning good money is that they work so hard to accumulate and forget about how to keep it.  Unfortunately, taxes unchecked can take a massive bite out of all the money that was made.   Senior VP at Trilogy Financial Services Kevin Leon made it very clear on this week’s show, how dangerous it is to stick your head in the sand regarding taxes.

Here are some of the questions he answered:

1. How can I save more on current taxes?
2. How can I save more on future taxes?
3. How can I save money on my taxes that my portfolio generates on an annual basis?
4. Is there a way to offset all of my capital gains on an annual basis?
5. What tax free investment options are out there today?
6. If I am already retired, how can I save money on taxes?
7. How can I get more tax deductions?
8. If I have highly appreciated assets and want to sell some of them, how can I do that in a tax efficient manner?
9. I typically get bonuses at year end, any strategies for that?
10. Can annuities help me with saving taxes on an annual basis?

Do you own a business and stay up late worried about being in compliance with the labor laws?  There are so many new laws that business owners don't know and the ones they do know, they don't really understand.  Bad news, because they've just gotten more complicated.

Human Resources expert Lorraine Bifulco owner of VantaggioHR came on to the show to give Dino all of the updates to the laws.  There's some information in this show that is truly crucial to be aware of if you have your own business.

Here are some of the questions Dino asked:

• You mentioned that even small employers need HR help. Can you explain why?

• Many of our listeners are entrepreneurs and owners or managers of small to medium sized companies. What do they need to be paying attention to this year?
  
  
  
• I saw an article you wrote recently that was titled, “It now pays to get sick in California!” Can you tell our listeners what that’s all about?

• I’m sure in all the years you’ve been doing this, you have some great stories. Can you share one or two of them with our listeners?

• I know compliance is important, but business owners are busy running their companies. Is it really that important that they pay attention to every little detail regarding HR compliance – especially when some of the requirements seem like  silly paperwork?
  
  
• If you had to give our listeners a couple of suggestions about the big things to watch out for in 2015, what would that be?
  
  
  
  
  

We understand that you love your insurance company, or maybe you have no real feelings about them at all. Consider that a broker has access to many companies with even more policies and can not only find you the best prices, but the best service and the right coverage for your specific needs.

Steve Renteria from Steele Insurance Agency came on to talk about how crucial it is to have the right coverage whether your single or married with kids.  He is incredibly informative and doesn’t hold back his advice on the show.  These are just some of the questions you will hear Steve answer.

1. What’s the difference between a broker and a provider like a State Farm or Allstate?
2. Let’s talk about liability.  This is a big one especially when you have a home and family.  First, how does liability protect the homeowner?  What’s covered?
3. How much liability does a family need to make sure that anything that happens in their home is covered?
4. Ok, now the main income provider is a business owner.  What kind of insurance does he need to have to protect his business if it’s a service provider like a Real Estate Agency?
5. Alright, at this point the kids are getting older and that magic age of 16 hits and the oldest wants to drive.  What types of coverage do you recommend for a family with multiple cars and a young driver?
6. Can you explain what uninsured motorist coverage is and why we need it so badly in California?
7. How much life insurance do you recommend that a family provider have first if he’s just married and then if it should change when he has kids?

Listen to Money Matters With Dino every week on iTunes or just go to www.MoneyMattersWithDino.com and educate yourself as Dino Katsiametis interviews professionals from various financial fields.