This episode features Gregory Ricks discussing the essentials of estate planning, including wills and powers of attorney, and the importance of proactive health care through his own cancer journey. Listeners also receive practical advice on financial planning, building emergency funds, and managing retirement accounts like 401(k)s. The show blends expert guidance with personal stories to help listeners make informed decisions for their financial and personal well-being.

For LIVE financial news talk radio, tune into "Winning at Life with Gregory Ricks" LIVE on Saturday Mornings on:
WRNO-News Talk 99.5 FM New Orleans - 10 am - 1 pm
WBUV-News Talk 104.9 FM Biloxi - 10 am - 1 pm
OR
For financial news talk ON DEMAND, tune into the Ask Gregory Podcast for more financial topics that may interest you! Visit: https://gregoryricks.com/podcast/

Download the Winning at Life app to never miss a replay!

Investment Advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC or registered investment advisor, insurance products are offered through the insurance business Gregory Ricks and Associates, Incorporated AE wealth management does not offer insurance products, the insurance products offered by Gregory Ricks and Associates incorporated are not subject to investment advisor requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, any references to protection, safety or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing Carrier. This radio show was intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for a financial decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual situation. Gregory Ricks and Associates is not permitted to offer and no statement made during the show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. The Information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Gregory Ricks and Associates. Please remember that converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences, including, but not limited to a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA. Neither AE Wealth Management nor advisors providing investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management recommend or facilitate the buying or selling of cryptocurrencies. Third parties and guests of the show are not affiliated with nor do their opinions reflect those of Gregory Ricks and associates or AE wealth management. Ae Wealth Management provides services without regard to political affiliation. And the views of individual advisors are not necessarily the views of AE Wealth Management.

Dwayne Stein from Mortgage Gumbo joined the show to discuss a 40% year-over-year jump in mortgage applications, steady interest rates, and the potential impact of the new Vantage 4.0 credit scoring model—which pulls data from all three bureaus and could expand access to homeownership. They explored how credit, rates, and property values are influencing different types of buyers and what it all means for the future of lending. Gregory also broke down current market conditions, including the effects of tariffs and the possibility of future rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, pointing to signs of economic resilience despite volatility. Looking ahead to 2025, he outlined key tax changes: a new $15,750 standard deduction for individuals, a $6,000 bonus for seniors 65+, a temporary $40,000 SALT deduction cap for those earning under $500K, and a $2,200 Child Tax Credit increase. Other updates include no taxes on tips or overtime up to $25,000 for singles and $50,000 for couples, a permanent $750,000 limit on mortgage interest deductions, and the return of charitable deductions for non-itemizers in 2026. Whether you’re buying a home, adjusting your investments, or planning for future tax changes, this anniversary episode delivers smart strategies and timely updates to help you stay ahead.

In this episode of "Winning at Life," Gregory Ricks discusses the critical importance of proactive estate planning with Wes Blanchard, highlighting how updating wills and beneficiary designations can prevent future legal disputes. They stress the value of using trusts for estate management and protection, urging listeners to start the planning process early to secure financial well-being and simplify future successions.

For LIVE financial news talk radio, tune into "Winning at Life with Gregory Ricks" LIVE on Saturday Mornings on:
WRNO-News Talk 99.5 FM New Orleans - 10 am - 1 pm
WBUV-News Talk 104.9 FM Biloxi - 10 am - 1 pm
OR
For financial news talk ON DEMAND, tune into the Ask Gregory Podcast for more financial topics that may interest you! Visit: https://gregoryricks.com/podcast/

Download the Winning at Life app to never miss a replay!

Investment Advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC or registered investment advisor, insurance products are offered through the insurance business Gregory Ricks and Associates, Incorporated AE wealth management does not offer insurance products, the insurance products offered by Gregory Ricks and Associates incorporated are not subject to investment advisor requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, any references to protection, safety or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing Carrier. This radio show was intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for a financial decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual situation. Gregory Ricks and Associates is not permitted to offer and no statement made during the show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. The Information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Gregory Ricks and Associates. Please remember that converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences, including, but not limited to a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA. Neither AE Wealth Management nor advisors providing investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management recommend or facilitate the buying or selling of cryptocurrencies. Third parties and guests of the show are not affiliated with nor do their opinions reflect those of Gregory Ricks and associates or AE wealth management. Ae Wealth Management provides services without regard to political affiliation. And the views of individual advisors are not necessarily the views of AE Wealth Management.