What’s My Number? — Education Planning Edition

🎓 What’s My Number? — Education Planning Edition 📅 Aired October 25, 2025 In this week’s Purpose Driven Finances, Allan connects the markets, the metals, and your family’s future — showing how economic shifts and personal planning go hand in hand. Segment One — Market & Portfolio Management: Inflation, Quad Shift & Precious Metals The latest CPI report shows inflation easing faster than expected — a clear shift from Quad 2 (growth + inflation rising) to Quad 1 (growth up, inflation down). Historically, that favors growth assets, technology, and small caps, while inflation hedges like gold and commodities cool off. Allan also breaks down the risks of using self-directed IRAs for collectible metals. Some investors are paying massive premiums — 80 %–90 % over spot — for coins like Silver Buffaloes or Australian Wildlife gold, compared with just 6 % for standard Gold Eagles. The lesson? Treat metals as portfolio diversifiers, not collectibles, and beware of fees, storage, and resale limits that erode returns. Segment Two — What’s My Number? for Education Planning Education planning isn’t about control — it’s about freedom of opportunity. Your number depends on the kind of education you value, how much support you want to give, and the time horizon before enrollment. “We plan not because we can control outcomes, but so our kids can explore theirs.” Key strategies: 529 Plans: Tax-deferred growth, tax-free withdrawals for education.Coverdell ESAs: Flexible but smaller limits.Custodial UTMA/UGMA Accounts: Great teaching tools, but ownership shifts to the child.Trust-Based Accounts: Maintain control for larger, purpose-driven gifts.New 2024 Rule: 529 funds can roll into Roth IRAs or vocational training. The education world is changing fast — fewer traditional college paths, more trade programs, certifications, and entrepreneurship. “The best education system today rewards curiosity, not conformity.” Teaching Hope — The Real Education Number Money funds education, but hope fuels achievement. Allan shares why the most valuable lesson isn’t financial—it’s emotional: Hope they can do things.Hope they can learn new skills.Hope they can overcome challenges.Hope they can find opportunity in change.Because money can buy opportunity, but not drive. The goal isn’t to fund dependency — it’s to fuel purpose. 📞 Call Allan Malina at 434-316-0246 🌐 Visit www.servuscm.com 🎧 Tune in and discover how education planning isn’t just about funding learning — it’s about building hope, purpose, and opportunity.