A Life Well Lived: Grow, Preserve and Transfer Your Wealth

Are you prepared to navigate the complexities of Social Security as you approach retirement? Join Ken Ouellette, Certified Portfolio Manager, and founder of Orca Wealth Management, as he dives into the ins and outs of one of the most critical income sources for retirees.In this episode, Ken and his guest explore:The surprising rules around Social Security benefits, including earning thresholds and tax implications.How the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) works and what it means for your monthly check.The impact of delaying benefits versus taking them early—and how to make the right decision based on your unique situation.Tools and strategies for predicting longevity and planning around it.With decades of experience, Ken provides actionable advice to help you plan for the financial road ahead, ensuring your retirement is as secure and fulfilling as possible. Tune in to learn how to make the most of every dollar in your golden years!

Welcome to A Life Well-Lived, where financial success meets strategic planning! In this episode, host Ken Ouellette, Certified Portfolio Manager, and founder of Orca Wealth Management—dives into the art of growing, preserving, and transferring your wealth with practical advice that everyone can apply. Whether you’re navigating financial storms or preparing for the future, Ken brings over three decades of experience to help you overcome life’s financial obstacles with clarity and confidence.Tune in as Ken discusses:How to set effective financial goals that help you navigate wealth building.The crucial steps to ensure you don’t risk a lifetime of savings without a proper plan.Key considerations when deciding whether to pay off your mortgage or invest elsewhere.Why refinancing might be a smart move for newlyweds or homeowners with rising rates.The power of compounding savings versus extra mortgage payments.Understanding the current housing market, interest rates, and credit card debt trends.Financial clarity is within reach, and this episode is packed with insights to help you build a solid foundation. Don’t miss out—tune in now and take the next step toward a secure, prosperous future!

Welcome to A Life Well Lived with Ken Ouellette, Certified Portfolio Manager, and founder of Orca Wealth Management. In this episode, Ken draws from over three decades of experience to offer clarity and guidance on growing, preserving, and transferring your wealth—especially during the turbulence of an election year. Are you wondering how political shifts might impact your investments? This episode is for you.Ken dives deep into actionable financial strategies, helping you navigate market volatility with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, Ken breaks down complex topics in a way that anyone can understand.In this episode, we’ll cover:How to prepare your portfolio for the uncertainty of an election yearCommon mistakes investors make when reacting to political eventsKey sectors that historically perform well during electionsWhy patience pays off: long-term vs. short-term financial strategiesSpoiler alert: Does the election really matter for your investments? Ken reveals the surprising answer.Tune in for expert insights that will help you stay calm, focused, and financially resilient through political ups and downs. Don't miss this valuable episode packed with practical advice for a more secure financial future. Tune in now!

Are you letting social media influence your financial decisions without even realizing it? In this episode of "A Life Well Lived," Ken Ouellette, Certified Portfolio Manager at Orca Wealth Management, takes you on a deep dive into the often unseen impact that social media has on your money mindset. With over three decades of experience, Ken sheds light on how your daily scrolling habits could be distorting your financial reality and provides actionable steps to protect your wealth from the pitfalls of digital influence.Tune in as Ken discusses:The hidden risks of basing financial decisions on social media trends.How the "highlight reel" effect can distort your perception of success and wealth.The psychology behind doom scrolling and its impact on your investment choices.Strategies to use social media wisely, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders your financial well-being.Real-life examples of how social media manipulation can lead to disastrous financial outcomes.This episode is packed with insights that will help you navigate the financial landscape with clarity and confidence. Whether you're an avid social media user or just a casual browser, Ken's expert advice will help you build, preserve, and transfer your wealth effectively. Don't let social media dictate your financial future. Join us in this eye-opening episode to gain the tools you need to make informed, strategic decisions that align with your goals. Tune in now and take control of your financial journey!

Welcome to "A Life Well-Lived," your go-to podcast for growing, preserving, and transferring your wealth. Join Ken Ouellete, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Orca Wealth Management, as he shares his three decades of experience to help you set financial goals, overcome obstacles, and navigate the ups and downs of your financial journey.In this episode, Ken dives into the timely topic of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates. What does it mean for the economy, your investments, and your financial future? Ken breaks it down in a clear and understandable way, offering practical advice and insights to help you make informed decisions.Episode Highlights:Understanding the implications of the Fed cutting ratesHow rate cuts affect the economy and your investmentsThe impact on fixed income and equity investmentsHistorical context and what we can learn from past rate cutsThe role of the Federal Reserve and its relationship with global economiesPractical steps to take when interest rates changeWhy Listen?Gain valuable insights into the effects of monetary policy on your finances.Learn how to adapt your investment strategy in response to interest rate changes.Discover ways to protect and grow your wealth in a shifting economic landscape.Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and follow us on our journey to financial clarity and security. Tune in to this episode for expert advice and actionable steps to keep your wealth on course. Don't miss out—hit play and let's dive in!

Ever find yourself lying awake at night, anxious about your financial future? You’re not alone. In this episode, host Ken Ouellette dives deep into one of the most common and pressing concerns of our time: why we worry about money. Ken, a seasoned Certified Portfolio Manager with over 30 years of experience, offers insights and strategies to help you understand and alleviate your financial anxieties.In this episode, you’ll discover:The Root Causes of Financial Anxiety: Explore why money worries are so prevalent, from the fear of the unknown to the complexity of financial responsibilities.Planning for the Unknown: Learn how comprehensive financial planning can help you manage uncertainties and reduce stress about future economic conditions.Managing Responsibilities: Understand the emotional burden of financial responsibilities to family and how proper estate planning can provide peace of mind.Maintaining Financial Independence: Gain practical advice on how to ensure your financial stability through retirement and avoid common pitfalls.Real-Life Stories: Hear how real clients have navigated their financial worries and the transformative impact of tailored financial planning.This episode is packed with actionable steps and expert insights to help you navigate financial challenges with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to think about your financial future or are nearing retirement, Ken’s advice will empower you to take control of your money worries.Tune in now to uncover the secrets to overcoming financial anxiety and start living a life of financial peace.Listen and subscribe today—your future self will thank you!

Welcome to A Life Well-Lived, the podcast that guides you through the complexities of growing, preserving, and transferring your wealth. Join Ken Ouellette, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Orca Wealth Management, as he shares his three decades of experience to help you navigate life's financial challenges with clarity and confidence.In today's episode, Ken tackles the top ten questions he gets asked as a financial advisor, providing invaluable insights and practical advice to help you secure your financial future.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The Fundamentals of Wealth Management: Understanding the essential goals needed to build, preserve, and transfer your wealth.The 60/40 Portfolio Debate: Insights into the strengths and weaknesses of this classic investment strategy.The Importance of a Financial Advisor: Why having a professional on your side can significantly impact your financial success.Understanding Fiduciary Duty: What it means to be a fiduciary and why it’s crucial for your financial advisor to have this commitment.Advisor Compensation Explained: The various ways financial advisors get paid and what aligns best with your interests.Ken also shares real-life examples of how proper financial planning can make a significant difference, especially as you approach retirement.Why You Should Listen:Expert Insights: Gain wisdom from Ken's extensive experience and deep understanding of the financial markets.Practical Advice: Learn actionable steps you can take today to improve your financial situation.Clarity and Confidence: Understand complex financial concepts in simple terms.Real-Life Applications: Hear how others have navigated financial challenges and achieved their goals.Tune in to this episode of A Life Well-Lived and empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Don’t miss out on Ken’s expert advice that could change your financial future for the better!

Welcome to "A Life Well-Lived," where we delve into the intricacies of financial planning with Ken Ouellette, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Orca Wealth Management. In this episode, Ken takes us on a journey through the history, benefits, and drawbacks of the 60/40 portfolio, shedding light on its relevance in today's ever-changing financial landscape.Key Points:Explore the origins of the 60/40 portfolio and its evolution over time.Understand the principles behind the 60/40 allocation: 60% equities, 40% fixed income.Learn how diversification and moderation play pivotal roles in managing portfolio risk.Discover the historical performance of the 60/40 portfolio and its resilience through various market cycles.Delve into the benefits and drawbacks of the 60/40 strategy, including its simplicity and potential limitations during low-interest-rate environments.Gain insights into the practical implications of rebalancing and customizing portfolio allocations based on current market conditions.Explore actionable steps to optimize your wealth management strategy and navigate financial uncertainties effectively.By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the 60/40 portfolio strategy and its implications for your financial well-being. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your wealth-building journey, Ken's expert insights and practical advice will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and secure your financial future.Have questions or insights to share? Reach out to Ken directly at Orca Wealth Management via their website or give him a call at (727) 741-6077. Don't miss out on their monthly webinars covering a range of financial topics—visit their website to join the mailing list and stay updated on upcoming events.Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the 60/40 portfolio. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on future episodes of "A Life Well-Lived." Remember, the journey to financial empowerment begins with knowledge, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Welcome to "A Life Well Lived," where Ken Ouellette, founder of Orca Wealth Management, shares insights on growing, preserving, and transferring wealth. In this episode, Ken dives into the topic of Financial FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), shedding light on how it impacts our financial decisions and offering actionable strategies to combat it.In this insightful episode, Ken draws from his three decades of experience to explore the psychology behind FOMO and its detrimental effects on financial planning. From impulsive investments to short-term speculation, Ken highlights the dangers of succumbing to the allure of immediate gains without a solid strategy in place.Key points covered in this episode include:Understanding the concept of FOMO and its prevalence in financial decision-making.Exploring historical examples of FOMO-driven market behaviors, from the dot-com bubble to the real estate boom.Recognizing the difference between value and price in investment decisions.Unveiling the harm caused by FOMO, including the disruption of long-term financial goals and the erosion of disciplined investing principles.Offering practical tips and strategies for overcoming FOMO and staying committed to a well-defined financial plan.Join Ken and Don as they navigate the complex landscape of financial psychology, offering invaluable insights and guidance to help listeners build a secure financial future. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your wealth-building journey, this episode provides actionable steps to help you overcome the fear of missing out and achieve your financial goals.Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain clarity and confidence in your financial decisions. Tune in to "Overcoming Financial FOMO: Building Wealth with a Plan" and take the first step towards a life of financial security and abundance.

Welcome to another empowering episode of "Wealth Guardians," the podcast dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of financial planning and wealth management. I'm your host, Ken Ouellette, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Oracle Wealth Management.In today's episode, we're delving into a crucial and often overlooked aspect of financial well-being - protecting seniors from financial abuse. Join us on this insightful journey where we'll explore the five key strategies to shield your loved ones and yourself from potential threats. With over three decades of experience, I'll share actionable steps and expert insights to help you build, preserve, and transfer your wealth securely.The topics covered include:Facilitating Discussions: Starting conversations with family members about financial abuse and being aware of warning signs.Simplifying Finances: Limiting the number of credit cards and automating bill payments to reduce exposure to potential risks.Regular Monitoring: Subscribing to credit monitoring services, like Experian, to receive alerts about potential fraudulent activities and freezing credit when not actively seeking new credit.Reviewing Financial Statements: Regularly reviewing bank and investment statements for any suspicious or unusual activities.Securing Legal Documents: Keeping important legal documents, such as trusts, wills, and credit card statements, in a secure and fireproof location.Exercising Caution in Sharing Information: Being cautious about sharing personal information and verifying the legitimacy of requests, especially when dealing with sensitive data.So, whether you're planning for retirement, supporting aging family members, or simply keen on strengthening your financial defenses, this episode is packed with practical advice and valuable information. Stick around as we unravel the complexities and provide clarity on securing your financial legacy.

Welcome to A Life Well Lived! Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of retirement planning with Ken Ouellette, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Orca Wealth Management. With over three decades of experience, Ken and Don shed light on the often overlooked aspect of transitioning from saving to spending during retirement. Discover actionable steps, mindset shifts, and practical insights to help you build, preserve, and transfer your wealth.Key Points:Shifting Mindsets: Explore the transition from a saver-investor mindset to a distribution mindset and the challenges it brings.Embracing Experiences and Personal Growth: Learn about the importance of embracing new experiences and personal growth during retirement.Freedom to Live on Your Terms: Understand the freedom retirement brings and how to live life on your terms.Planning for Healthcare: Navigate the financial aspects of healthcare, especially when retiring before Medicare eligibility.Evaluating and Adjusting: Ken shares his approach to scenario-based planning, evaluating financial scenarios, and making adjustments for changing circumstances.Client Scenarios: Hear real-life examples and scenarios that clients face during the transition from saving to spending in retirement.Evaluations and Check-ins: Learn about the importance of regular evaluations and check-ins to ensure your financial plan aligns with your evolving goals.Discover the insights and strategies that can make your retirement a fulfilling and financially secure chapter of life. Whether you're approaching retirement or have already retired, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you make the most of your wealth. Tune in and gain the confidence to navigate the complexities of retirement with ease.

Navigating the Waves of Fixed Income: Strategies for a Secure Financial VoyageEmbark on a financial journey with Ken Ouellette and Orca Wealth Management in this episode of "A Life Well Lived." Today's captivating topic, "Principles to Successful Fixed Investing," dives into the often overlooked world of fixed income. Discover the keys to making fixed income investing exciting and how it can serve as the secure foundation of your investment portfolio.Key Points:Understanding Fixed Income: Explore the concept of fixed income as the bedrock of your investment portfolio, akin to the secure foundation of your home.The Importance of Fixed Income: Uncover why fixed income is crucial in moderating portfolio volatility and reducing overall risk.Historical Perspective: Delve into the historical performance of fixed income investing and why it has lost its luster in recent years due to low-interest rates.Yield Curve Insights: Learn about the yield curve and how it plays a pivotal role in fixed income strategies, offering opportunities to hedge bets and maximize returns.Risks in Fixed Income: Examine the three major risks associated with fixed income – reinvestment risk, opportunity loss, and pricing dynamics.Professional Guidance: Understand the significance of working with a financial professional with expertise in fixed income markets to optimize your investment strategy.Discover how fixed income, often overshadowed by equities, can be a powerful tool in achieving your financial goals. Join Ken and his guest, Don, as they share valuable insights, personal experiences, and practical advice on navigating the complexities of fixed income investing.

Navigating Key Retirement Milestones: Planning Your Financial Journey Welcome to Orca Wealth Management's podcast. In this episode, join Ken Ouellette, CPM Certified Portfolio Manager and founder of Orca Wealth Management, as he delves into the critical financial milestones leading up to retirement. Ken brings over three decades of experience to guide you through the intricacies of building, preserving, and transferring wealth, providing actionable steps to plan through life's financial challenges. From catch-up contributions to maximizing Social Security benefits, this episode offers insights and strategies to empower your financial journey.In this episode, Ken and Don engage in a dynamic discussion on key retirement milestones, exploring financial avenues and demystifying complexities for a typical investor approaching retirement. They delve into various segments, unraveling the essential steps and considerations at each stage.Key Points Covered:Maximizing retirement savings through catch-up contributions at age 50.The significance of age 55 in terms of penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts.The advantages and considerations of starting Social Security at age 62.Navigating the tax implications and benefits of delaying Social Security up to age 70.Essential insights into Medicare eligibility and its impact on healthcare costs at age 65.Maximizing Social Security benefits by waiting until full retirement age (66-67).Understanding required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their penalties at age 73.Gain valuable insights and strategies to optimize your financial decisions leading up to retirement. Discover actionable steps and key considerations to enhance your retirement savings, plan for healthcare costs, and make informed choices regarding Social Security and required minimum distributions.Have questions or thoughts to share? Reach out to Ken Ouellette and the Orca Wealth Management team for personalized financial guidance.Tune in to this episode for expert insights, actionable advice, and a roadmap to navigate the critical milestones on your path to a secure and prosperous retirement. Let's embark on this journey together, ensuring a life well lived through thoughtful financial planning.Connect with Ken Ouellette:Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management

Are you thinking about signing up for Medicare or Medicaid insurance? In this episode, Ken Ouellette speaks with Chris Bracciale, a Medicare insurance agent about Medicare insurance. Chris covers a variety of information, from emphasizing how important thinking about Medicare in advance is, to explaining the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, and the various plan options available. Chris discusses:  When people should start thinking about MedicareThe costs associated with MedicareThe difference in coverage between pre-Medicare insurance and MedicareHow likely it is to keep your doctor when you switch to Medicare insuranceWhere to sign up for MedicareThe primary difference between Medicare and MedicaidAnd moreConnect With Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management Connect With Chris Bracciale: 813-731-3032cbracciale@outlook.comMedicareLinkedIn: Chris BraccialeAbout Our Guest: Chris Bracciale is originally from Philadelphia and currently resides in Florida. Chris works in health insurance and life insurance, specifically with Medicare. Chris is well versed with The Affordable Care Act and helps individuals find the lowest available premiums.

Is America in a recession right now? How can investment portfolios be prepared for one? There are many questions about America’s current economic state and the possibility of a recession, so let’s start off with the basics. In this episode, Ken Ouellette educates listeners on 9 important pieces of information about recessions and shares his professional opinion about whether or not America is currently in a recession, and what listeners can do to prepare themselves for one. Ken discusses:  What a recession isWhat causes a recession to happenHow long a recession typically lastsWhat happens to the stock market during a recessionThe 5 economic indicators that warn of a recessionHow to position your stock and bond portfolios to prepare for a recessionAnd moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management

Are you looking to buy or sell a house? Tampa Bay’s real estate market is hot right now! In this episode, Ken Ouellette speaks with Tanner Tillung, one of the top real estate agents in West-Central Florida, about Tampa Bay’s current real estate market. Tanner reports what the current market looks like, compares the current market to previous markets, and shares stories and tips about buying and selling properties in Tampa Bay. Tanner discusses:  What differentiates his buying and selling processes from other real estate agents in FloridaWhat Florida’s current real estate market looks likeWhat is considered peak season for Tampa Bay, and what months are usually the slowest in real estateHis key tips for preparing a house and making it looks appealing before putting it on the marketAnd moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management Connect with Tanner Tillung: (727) 479 – 4548TillungTampaBay.comFacebook: Tillung Tampa BayInstagram: Tillung Tampa BayLinkedIn: Tanner TillungAbout Our Guest: Tanner Tillung has a varied history and is one of the top real estate agents, along with Terry Tillung, in West-Central Florida. Before going into real estate, Tanner lived in New York for three years after high school. He was a professional model and actor from ages 14 to 23, working for major brands like Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Hollister. He moved to Colorado to study sustainable development and worked for the largest privately held developer in Colorado after college.

Have you started your estate planning? Without the help of a specialist to guide you through the planning process, it’s possible to make some mistakes along the way. In this episode, Ken Ouellette identifies nine estate planning mistakes and shares some advice on how you can avoid them. Ken discusses:  How estate taxes have changed over timeThe mistake of delaying your planningA TOD (transfer on death) account and the issues with itNot accounting for a beneficiary divorceThe mistake of not having a spillover willAnd moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management

Stagflation is when the price of goods is rising at an above average rate, and the growth of assets is falling in many cases. In this episode, Ken Ouellette explains the key ingredients of stagflation to give you a glimpse into what causes it, and describes his opinion of a healthy outcome for the country. Ken discusses:  Why you rarely hear economists speak of stagflationThree key ingredients that differentiate stagflation from all other calamities in the financial worldThe shocks to the system that can cause stagflationWhy economics is much like medicine And moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management

Is your financial advisor doing all they can to keep you on the path of success? There are six main areas that your financial advisor should be focusing on and providing to you, the client as part of their services. In this episode of A Life Well Lived, Ken Ouellette explains the six different areas of financial advising in detail along with sharing stories and solutions. Ken discusses:  The importance of planning before retirementHow estate planning can go horribly wrong without proper adviceWhy your financial advisor should be focusing on tax managementEducation funding – gifting $100 on their birthday or contributing to a 529 plan?And moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management

Are you working the land of the market landscape and trying to find those dividend-paying companies? When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re essentially investing in companies committed to returning value to their shareholders. But not all dividends are created equal. Listen in as Ken Ouellette explains how dividends work in good and bad markets and how you can successfully integrate a dividend approach into your portfolio. Ken discusses:  The basics of dividendsThree qualities that make a good dividend investorWhat defines a good dividend stockThe types of dividend stocksAnd moreConnect with Ken Ouellette: Orca Wealth ManagementBook An AppointmentLinkedIn: Ken OuelletteFacebook: Ken Ouellette Twitter: Ken Ouellette Instagram: Orca Wealth Management YouTube: Orca Wealth Management