Your Life Your Wealth Podcast
Informative and practical conversation on retirement planning from John Walker and Jason O'Meara of Mercer Advisors. Whether you're anticipating retirement or making the most of your retired years, John and Jason offer useful guidance.
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401k Success # 523
John and Jason welcome Mercer Advisors' Retirement Plan Specialist Dennis Jablonoski to discuss how employees and employers can measure the success of their 401k plans. For general information purposes only. No portion of the podcast serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Mercer Advisors. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the speaker…
Are You A Do-It-Yourself Investor? #522
John Walker and Jason O'Meara discuss the missed investment opportunities of the DIY financial planning approach.
Importance of Disability Insurance #521
John Walker and Jason O'Meara discuss why disability insurance is a critical safety net for your financial plan.
Inflation and Your Retirement Plan # 520
John Walker and Jason O'Meara discuss how inflation can impact the purchasing power of your retirement savings.
Good Debt, Bad Debt: Know the Difference # 519
Having debt such as a mortgage with a low interest rate can make good financial sense. Other debt such as high interest credit card debt can help sink you financially. John and Jason discuss how proper debt management can be an important part of your overall financial plan. Listening Time: 33 minutes
You Can't Take It with You: Living for Tomorrow and Today # 518
If your goal is to not be the richest person in the cemetery you may need to shift your mindset away from the years where saving money was your first priority. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the importance of recognizing the emotional…
7 Common Wealth Management Mistakes to Avoid # 517
John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors, help you steer clear of costly wealth management mistakes. Listening Time: 32 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Website Join Our Email List Additional Mercer Advisors Disclosure Cordasco Financial Network is a…
What Does it Take to Feel Financially Secure? # 516
An increasing percentage of people who have reached millionaire status still don't feel financially secure. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss why some people have financial insecurity at that level and what you may do to help build your…
Will You Inherit Family Money: Part 2 # 515
Inheriting wealth from a loved one can expose the recipient to a variety of emotions. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss how handling inherited wealth can impact the behavior and judgment of those who receive the inheritance, and talk about…
Will You Inherit Family Money? # 514
Surprisingly, inheriting money from a family member can be a double-edged sword. It could be a great opportunity or a cause of anguish. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss some of the unforeseen effects, both positive and negative, of…
Planning Moves Pre-Retirees Should Know # 513
As you move toward retirement, several ages offer specific opportunities for your benefit. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss often overlooked planning moves you may consider when turning age 59 1⁄2. Listening Time: 23 minutes…
Donations to Charity and Your Tax Planning # 511
Making mutually beneficial charitable donations can be an important component of your financial and tax planning. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They welcome Drew Ellis, Director, Institutional Partnerships at Mercer Advisors, to discuss his work…
Knowing When To Retire # 510
Good timing matters. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss ways to help you understand the signs and recognize when it may be time for you to enter retirement. Listening Time: 21 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information Visit Our Website…
Ten Strategies for Retiring in 2026 # 509
Before making financial decisions that may impact your retired years, there is much to consider. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss ten retirement related points to ponder before you leave the workforce. Listening Time: 26 minutes…
Planning Wrap-up for 2025 and a Look Ahead to the New Year # 508
The year's end is a good time to consider some financial and tax related moves to potentially maximize tax saving opportunities available to you. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss strategic tax planning for retirement, charitable giving…
The Risk You Want vs. The Risk You Need # 507
The amount of risk taken within your investment plan may be driven by your comfort zone. However, is your comfortable level of risk different than the amount of risk you need to take to maintain your desired lifestyle throughout your retired years? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and…
Roth vs Traditional IRAs # 506
Proper tax planning can be an important part of determining the real value of your IRA accounts. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss traditional and Roth IRAs and how each may fit into your overall retirement plan. Listening Time: 19 minutes…
New Tax Guidance Regarding Your Charitable Deductions # 505
Newly enacted regulations may have an impact on the how your charitable tax deductions will be treated by the IRS. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors along, with Mercer Advisors colleague Bryan Strike, MS, MTx, CFA, CFP®, CPA, PFS, CIPM, RICP®, CPWA®,…
Financial Consideration in Divorce # 504
If you are facing a divorce, you likely need a team of professionals to protect your interests. In addition to your divorce attorney, you may consider involving your financial planner for a clear understanding of the important financial considerations for your future. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara,…
Advantages of A Financial Gifting Strategy # 503
If you plan to gift cash or securities to a family member, friend, or charity there may be benefits to share. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the value of having a tax strategy when giving or receiving financial gifts. Listening Time: 23…
Do You Have Financial Regrets? # 502
It's not uncommon for some folks to look back on their personal financial history and have some remorse. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss a recently released Bankrate survey identifying some of the drivers of financial regrets, how…
"Fear of Getting In" the Markets # 501
Market volatility may be keeping you on the sidelines, but when is the right time to get back in the markets? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss FOGI, the emotion that keeps some individuals from investing the markets, which may be driven…
The Real Value of Financial Advice # 500
Are you a do-it-yourself investor? Perhaps it's time to consider an alternative. A new study released by The Vanguard Group shows the intrinsic value of working with a financial advisor. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss how working with a…
Savings Comparisons May Be Useless # 499
Every wonder how your savings, or the value of your 401k, stacks-up against your peers? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss why comparisons of account values to others in your age bracket may have no real relevance to your level of…
Your Deferred Compensation # 498
In additional to salary, bonuses, and medical benefits, deferred compensation is sometimes offered to executive level employees in the form of stock options. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the importance of properly managing deferred…
Mid-Year is a Good Time for Your Portfolio Check-up # 497
While many of us may be focusing on our summer vacation plans, now may be the right time to take good look at another type of plan, your financial plan. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the benefits of focusing on several key areas of…
The Many Benefits of a 529 Plan
Saving for a child's education is a propriety for many parents and grandparents. 529 plans can offer distinct opportunities for students and savers. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®️ professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss how a 529 plan may help students by giving them a…
Your Flexible Financial Goals # 495
Having measurable achievable goals is an integral part of wealth planning. Many savers believe those goals should be immovable and remain unchanged. Should they? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the importance and value of being…
Strategies for Inflation Risk to Your Portfolio # 494
If you're planning for retirement, there are many risks you may face. Among them is the risk of inflation. How will inflation impact your ability to sustain your lifestyle once you are dependent the spending power of your retirement nest egg? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr.…
Adolescents May Benefits from Your Conversations about Money # 493
Some younger folks desire conversations about money with their parents, but some parents may consider that discussion best avoided. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss many potential benefits of an ongoing intergenerational dialog about…
Your Opportunities During Volatile Markets # 492
Volatile markets can rattle even the most experienced investor, but sometimes adversity can bring opportunity. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss helpful strategies to consider during a market downturn and times of stock market…
Tax Advantaged Charitable Giving & Support of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Events # 491
2026 FIFA World Cup games are coming to Philadelphia. Many civic-focused events, with long-lasting benefits to the region, are in the planning stages throughout the Philadelphia area. Charitable contributions to 501(c) (3) non-profit agencies help make many of these events possible. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM…
Psychology of Money # 490
There are ways for you to gain a better understanding of your views about money and wealth, and the influences that may have helped shape those views. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the benefits of financial therapy as part of the…
It's Never Too Late to Save for Your Retirement # 489
For some families, retirement planning has taken a backseat to things such as the cost of raising children, putting them through college, paying for weddings, and the like. But, if you haven't yet started saving for your retired years, it may not be too late. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth…
Financial Considerations of a Job Change # 488
In today's tight labor market, many folks find themselves dealing with a job change. It could be a voluntary move or an unexpected occurrence. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the importance of good financial guidance related to a job…
Wealth Manager or Investment Manager: Which is Right for You? # 487
The roles of wealth manager and investment manager may be quite different. Do you know the distinction? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss these two financial industry professions, how they differ, and where they may overlap. They also…
Retirement Planning in Your 70's and Beyond # 486
Preparing for retirement if you plan to work into your 70's or 80's may be quite different than if you plan to enter retirement in your early 60's. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the unique benefits and challenges of planning for a…
How Not to be an Emotionally Driven Investor # 485
Consider investing with discipline and consistency, and not with your emotions. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss several ways to avoid making emotional decisions that may limit your investment success. Listening Time: 20 minutes…
Do Millionaires have Financial Planning Secrets? # 484
Attaining millionaire status may be less illusive now than in years past. Some who aspire to that level of wealth believe there may be secrets to reaching that financial position. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the findings of a…
Assessing Your Level of Retirement Readiness # 483
Retiring can be a difficult transition, but good financial and psychological planning may help. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors, welcome Fritz Gilbert, author of "Keys to A Successful Retirement" and founder of the popular blog "The Retirement Manifesto."…
Family Finances: Staying on the Same Page # 482
Financial strife can cause dissatisfaction in relationships. Significantly differing views on money management and spending may lead to arguments and might even result in the ending of a relationship. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss…
How Much Home Can You Really Afford # 481
Home ownership is part of the American dream. The increased cost of owning a home has made home ownership a bigger challenge for many. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss ways to help you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home…
Taking a Buyout from Your Employer # 480
Unfortunately, having to reduce the number of a company's employees has become all too commonplace. Frequently cutting the payroll may be considered a quick boost for a company's bottom line. Some long-standing employees may be offered "a package" or a "buyout." Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara,…
Helping You Choose A Financial Advisor That's Right for You # 479
Selecting a professional to handle your financial affairs can be a critically important decision. There are many options for you to carefully investigate before committing to an individual or firm. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss…
Is Fear Causing You to Delay Your Retirement? # 478
There are issues of concern that prevent some aging Americans from retiring. However, delaying retirement too long may create unforeseen problems. Today, John Walker, RegionalVice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss what may be preventing some people from making a timely…
New Interest in College Courses on Personal Finance # 477
There is a growing trend of personal finance courses being offered on college campuses. Members of Generation Z are flocking to them. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss what students are being taught, and the reasons for their growing…
The Value of Professional Guidance in Selling Your Business # 476
Many business owners of the baby-boom generation will be selling their companies and moving into retirement over the next twenty years. A large transfer of wealth will result. Help from a professional may be necessary. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by Curt Cyliax, Managing Director and Peter Hissey, Vice President, both of Strategic Exit Advisors, a firm…
Finding Your Financial Confidence # 475
According to a recent Charles Schwab survey, two-thirds of baby-boomers believe they are in a better position to reach their financial goals than previous generations. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, discusses details of the survey and the reasons why many baby boomers have attained such confidence. Listening Time: 19 minutes Mercer-Cordasco Disclosure Information…
Balancing Money and Happiness # 474
Can having more money equate to greater satisfaction or contentment? Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional Jason O'Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss the complicated relationship between money and happiness by sharing insights from their professional and personal perspectives.…