Blue Money
Jim Donnelly & Kevin McGarry
Subscribe
A finance podcast for cops, by cops. Based in Flourtown, PA. Hosted by Lt. Jim Donnelly with co-host Kevin McGarry. Sponsored by Valley Financial Group. Episodes are filled with tips and advice for maximizing your income to grow into wealth. Listen for finance advice tailored to law enforcement employees who want to look forward to a comfortable retirement. For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Mar 20, 2023
Episode 17 - Estate Planning
In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim invite David J. Balcer, attorney at law, to have an in depth conversation about wills and estate planning. It’s a conversation many people don’t like to have, but it is a necessary one. Listen to find out all the reasons why you don’t want to leave things intestate, and what that means.
David goes over how to ensure your assets are treated the way you want. He explains what may override a will and what happens if there is no will in place. The guys also talk about what a trust is and look at the similarities and differences between a trust and a will. If you’re wondering what “probate” is, that is discussed too.
The majority of adult Americans don’t have their estate planning and will in place; don’t be part of that group. Listen to this episode to learn why estate planning is important, and then contact the guys at Valley Financial to help you get started.
Contact David J Balcer
215-947-7090
bacleresq@yahoo.com
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Jan 5, 2023
Episode 16 - Year-End Checklist
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are discussing 2022 in review. They’re also providing a checklist for you to use at the end of this year, to make sure you’re in the best financial standing you can be going into the new year. Kevin has a great list of questions you can ask yourself to help prepare financially for the upcoming year. Jim also has suggestions for things to check in on at this time of year. The guys also talk about preparing for taxes as the end of the fiscal tax year comes to an end.
Listen to this episode to make sure you’re in the best position possible going into 2023. The guys touch on so many different topics and bring up so many good points, you may want to take notes, and listen more than once. There’s a lot packed into this short episode.
Free Credit Report: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
Episode 15 - Why You Need A Financial Advisor
In this episode of Blue Money, the guys are breaking down all the reasons why a person should have a financial advisor. These aren’t just Kevin & Jim’s opinions - they have the numbers to back it up. You may be surprised to hear the difference between people who use a financial advisor and people who choose not to - the stats alone should be enough for you to make an appointment with an advisor, if you haven’t already.
Most people don’t realize all the benefits financial planners offer, so Jim & Kevin list off the services they offer. They aren’t just suggesting you to consult a financial advisor, they’re taking it a step further by helping you find the right advisor for you. The guys wrap up this episode with some advice everyone needs to hear.
ARTICLES
https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/investing-ideas/financial-advisor-cost
https://www.vanguard.ca/documents/advisors-alpha-infographic.pdf
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Nov 21, 2022
Episode 14 - Midterm Elections & the Economy
In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim discuss the effect on the economy that the midterm elections have historically. Kevin offers an explanation for why we see the trends we do around election time. Jim explains the current situation and what’s at stake, then goes into running most likely economic scenarios based on the possible outcomes of this election.
Listen at 4:40 for what Kevin means when he says “it doesn’t matter.” The guys put the bipartisan impact on the economy in perspective without taking sides. This is an informative, timely episode that will help put your mind at ease if you are feeling unsure about the current political climate and how it affects your finances in the long term.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Oct 17, 2022
Episode 13 - Medicare Breakdown with Special Guest Matt Boyle
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim and Kevin are talking with Matt Boyle, the Vice President of Life and Health Solutions with Incenter Insurance Solutions. Continuing the theme from the last episode, the guys are discussing post-retirement benefits and how to access them.
Kevin and Jim, and the rest of the group at Valley Financial, are here to help you plan for your future, and ultimately, a comfortable retirement. But what happens when retirement time comes - how do you access your benefits and make the most of your retirement? Kevin and Jim partner with guys like Matt to help you enjoy your retirement benefits.
The conversation jumps right into the ins and outs of Medicare. They go over some common questions and scenarios that apply to many of their police force clients. Matt answers all the guys’ questions and makes Medicare easier to understand. Listen to the end for some Medicare trivia that may come in handy at your next quizzo night.
To contact Matt Boyle call: 267-460-2828 or email: matt.boyle@incenterms.com
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Episode 12 - Answering Questions about Social Security
In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin and Jim are discussing all things involved in the social security benefits of being a police officer. They start off by explaining how officers qualify and what “credits” means, in regards to social security. Then they jump into answering the most common questions they hear from their clients. Do you know what “full retirement age” means and the nuances of the term? Listen to this episode for clarity.
Kevin & Jim want to help you maximize your social security benefits, not just for yourself, but for your spouse as well. They break down the math on why it makes sense to delay taking your social security. When they give you the numbers, it’s easy to see why their strategy makes sense.
The guys are trying to demystify the tax implications of social security. They also bring up the issue that not all officers pay into social security, depending on where they work. Kevin & Jim round out the conversation by talking about Medicare benefits, and leave us with three important takeaways.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Sep 12, 2022
Episode 11 - Portfolio Review
In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim are doing a mid-year check-in. They are reviewing their portfolios and the market performance so far this year. The guys discuss the US economic climate, touching on cryptocurrency, the stock market, bonds, and commodities. They also talk about global economics, looking at many other countries around the world.
After reflecting on the first half of the year, the guys go over what they predict for the next six months. They debate whether we are currently in a recession or not. Listen to this episode for Kevin’s outlook for the second half of 2022. Jim has advice for how to ride the roller coaster of 2022’s market. Kevin has three pieces of advice for what to take away from this episode. He’s giving the perspective and reassurance needed to stay in the game.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Aug 8, 2022
Episode 10 - What You Need To Know About Credit Cards
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are discussing all things credit cards. Jim starts off the conversation with a personal story, like so many others, about his own experience getting in credit card debt at a young age. They go into explaining why and how it’s so easy to get into and stay in credit card debt.
Listen for tips on how to get out of credit card debt. If you don’t like the word “budget,” you’ll love the spending plan concept. The guys bring up the snowball method and avalanche method for paying off debt. They compare the two and explain when it’s best to use each.
Credit cards can be a great tool, when used correctly. Listen to this podcast for best practices when it comes to dealing with credit cards.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Jul 26, 2022
Episode 9 - Interview with Christine Nelson, Fuel the Force
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are speaking with Christine Nelson, founder of Fuel the Force. Christina explains how she came up with the idea for Fuel the Force, and how the name came to be. They discuss the current status of Fuel the Force and also talk about future goals.
If you’re a restaurant owner who would like to participate in Fuel the Force, listen at 5:10 for information on the process. Get in on the program now, before it goes nationwide.
If you’re thinking about starting a non-profit organization to support police, this is the podcast episode for you to listen to. The guys ask Christine about past work she’s done in support of the police force.
To contact Christine Nelson - fueltheforcenewtown@gmail.com
To donate to Fuel the Force: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuel-the-force-newtown
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Jul 12, 2022
Episode 8 - Market Update
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are giving an update on the current market. Listen to find out what a “bear market” is and what it means to be in a bear market. Kevin is offering up relevant historical data to give context to the current market and make predictions based on past experience.
The guys discuss stable value funds and the pros and cons of moving to that type of account. They’re giving their recommendations and reasoning for different scenarios. Listen through to the end for valuable advice you can use in your investment strategy.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Jun 17, 2022
Episode 7 - What Are Bonds?
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are going over everything you need to know about bonds. They start off the show by explaining exactly what a bond is. Listen to find out why Valley Financial suggests using bonds in your investment portfolio. This first half of this episode is packed with valuable information, including bond categories and bond jargon.
Bond rates are at an all-time low and the Blue Money guys are explaining why. They’re also showing us the silver lining to such low rates. Listen until the end of this episode for the 2 most important things you should know about investing in bonds.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
May 25, 2022
Episode 6 - All About Inflation
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim and Kevin are discussing everything about inflation. They start off by giving a basic definition of inflation, so we know exactly what we’re talking about. They then segue into how the inflation rate is calculated. Taking it a step further, the guys even get into why inflation happens.
Jim & Kevin understand that inflation is a major concern for their clients, and it probably is for you too. That’s why they created this specific episode - because there are so many questions regarding inflation.
Inflation affects everyone, and if you want to know more about inflation, this podcast episode is for you. Kevin & Jim even give advice on how you can protect yourself from inflation. Listen to learn the ins and outs of everyone’s enemy - inflation.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
May 11, 2022
Episode 5 - The Importance of Life Insurance
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are discussing why it’s important for law enforcement officers to have an adequate life insurance policy in place. Even if you already have a life insurance policy, this episode is a valuable listen. The guys explain why the policy you signed up for when you first became an officer may no longer be the right fit.
Don’t wait to listen to this episode, and don’t wait to reevaluate your life insurance needs. Jim & Kevin point out why we should get this taken care of sooner rather than later. Jim goes into explaining some of the different types of benefits and coverages that you’ll see in a typical life insurance policy. Kevin is giving us the questions to ask to determine the type of policy that is right for you. They close out the episode by giving an action plan to ensure your life insurance needs are well-situated.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free…
playlist_add
Apr 27, 2022
Episode 4 - Info About Your 457(b)
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are helping law enforcement employees understand what their 457(b) is. They start by explaining the difference between a 457(b) versus a 401(k). Then they move right into the pros and cons of a 457(b). They dive into discussing the new 457 Roth and compare it to the 457(b).
If you’re working in the public sector, and are looking for information and advice on your retirement plan options, this is the podcast for you. Jim & Kevin are having an honest discussion about your retirement plan investment options. You don’t want to miss this conversation.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add
Apr 13, 2022
Episode 3 - Buying & Selling on Emotion
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are talking us through these turbulent times. The guys at Valley Financial understand that during times like these, people tend to stress more about their finances. Kevin starts off by sharing some historical market numbers to give us perspective on the volatility of the current market.
Jim makes a great point when he says that technology could be doing us a disservice. Listen at 2:50 to find out what he means by that. Could we be too connected? Kevin gives examples of how staying for the long-haul can pay off.
The guys have two pieces of advice for you to take away from this episode. Listen at 5:00 for these quick takeaways. You may even be doing it already without realizing.
Have you heard of “dollar cost to average?” Kevin & Jim discuss what it is and why it’s so important. This could be a new way for you to look at investing to maximize your return.
Kevin & Jim end this episode by answering a listener’s question. They a…
playlist_add
Mar 16, 2022
Episode 2 - You Can Start Investing Now
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are helping officers set personal savings and investing goals. Their goal is to get cops saving 50% of their income each year. That may sound impossible to you right now, but listen to this episode to find out how you can make this a reality. They start off the discussion by telling us Jim’s personal investing journey.
Kevin & Jim illustrate the importance of starting now, by breaking down the numbers. Listen in on the discussion to hear how much you can expect retirement to cost, based on current projections. It may be the harsh reality you need to hear to take Kevin & Jim’s advice and start paying yourself today.
Listen through to the end of this episode for the 50-30-20 Rule, for a rule of thumb for balanced savings vs. spending to keep your future retirement in mind.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information vi…
playlist_add
Mar 11, 2022
Episode 1 - Law Enforcement Officers Wait Too Long to Invest
In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are kicking off their podcast series with a discussion on the most common mistake they see people making when it comes to investing. They’re here to take the stigma out of discussing money issues, and to make it easy.
Right at the beginning, at 2:34, Kevin tells us the most important thing to take away from this episode. He uses easy-to-follow examples to demonstrate his point. Listen to find out why you want to be like Katie.
Jim & Kevin discuss the philosophy at Valley Financial Group: start now & pay yourself first. They list off different examples of what they mean, so it’s easy to understand how this concept works. Listen for a lesson on compound interest and the Rule of 72.
To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: jim@valleyfinancial.com
To contact Kevin McGarry: kevin@valleyfinancial.com
For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com
playlist_add