Blue Money

In this episode of Blue Money, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry walk you through the current state of the financial markets, breaking down what's been driving recent growth — from strong corporate earnings to massive AI-related spending by big tech companies. You'll hear why April's impressive market performance is historically a positive sign for the months ahead, and why the old "sell in May" advice may no longer apply. Jim and Kevin also offer practical, tailored guidance to help you review and rebalance your portfolio, boost your retirement contributions, explore Roth conversions, and ensure your family is properly protected with adequate life insurance and estate planning.

In this episode of the "Blue Money" podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry break down the latest financial news and market trends specifically for police officers and law enforcement professionals. You’ll hear their insights on recent market volatility, the impact of tariffs and Supreme Court rulings, and why gold and certain sectors are gaining attention. They discuss the performance of tech giants versus the broader market, the current state of cryptocurrencies, and the importance of staying diversified. Throughout the episode, Jim and Kevin encourage you to avoid panic, stick to your investment plan, and consider increasing your retirement contributions with any pay raises. They stress the value of dollar-cost averaging and remind you that, despite constant headlines and uncertainty, markets have historically recovered. The episode wraps up with practical advice: don’t try to time the market, keep investing steadily, and always seek professional guidance tailored to your unique financial situation.

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, you’ll join hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry as they sit down with Heather Hines, a seasoned attorney running for District Judge in Buckingham Township, Solebury Township, and New Hope Borough. Heather Hines is an experienced attorney and former prosecutor running for District Justice in Bucks County. A Widener University School of Law graduate, she served nine years as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County, earning awards for her work on violent crime cases. Heather also led the Bucks County District Attorney’s Forfeiture Unit and opened the local office of the Senior Law Center to protect seniors from exploitation. Now in private practice, she focuses on family and criminal law and volunteers to represent victims of abuse. Heather shares her impressive legal background, from her years as an assistant district attorney to her work with the Senior Law Center and her current family law practice. You’ll hear about her passion for fairness, her commitment to community involvement, and her belief in respectful, attentive judging. Heather discusses the importance of apolitical decision-making, the value of local elections, and her vision for a more just and accessible court. The conversation is friendly and informative, giving you a personal look at Heather’s qualifications, character, and campaign. By the end, you’ll feel connected to Heather’s journey and inspired to participate in your local elections. Learn more about Heather Hines: hinesforjudge.com To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry break down a recent executive order that could reshape your retirement planning. They explain how the Department of Labor is exploring the inclusion of alternative investments—like private equity, REITs, and cryptocurrencies—in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. You’ll learn about the potential benefits, such as higher returns and diversification, as well as the risks, including illiquidity, volatility, and complexity. The hosts offer practical advice on how much of your portfolio to allocate to these alternatives and stress the importance of education and professional guidance. Whether you’re a police officer or simply planning for retirement, this episode gives you the insights you need to make informed decisions about your financial future. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

Join hosts Jim Donnelly, a retired police lieutenant, and Kevin McGarry from Valley Financial Group, as they break down today’s most pressing financial topics. The conversation covers inflation trends, shifts in the housing market, and the potential impact of tariffs on everyday expenses. Jim and Kevin offer practical advice on portfolio diversification, using relatable examples—like the resilience of the "Rocky" movies—to illustrate how markets can bounce back. Their friendly, professional approach ensures you’ll gain useful insights tailored to law enforcement professionals, helping you stay informed and financially prepared in a changing economy. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode Jim and Kevin dive into the financial outlook for 2025, offering insights tailored for law enforcement personnel. They discuss key economic indicators like inflation, employment rates, and stock market performance. They highlight the importance of diversification in investment portfolios and the potential impact of political factors such as tax cuts and tariffs. The episode emphasizes proactive retirement planning and provides practical advice to help listeners navigate the financial landscape in the new year.

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry dive into the financial landscape, focusing on the stock market's performance in the third quarter. They highlight the S&P 500's significant rise and discuss the impact of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, consumer spending trends, and the upcoming election. Emphasizing the importance of staying invested during uncertain times, they also stress the value of diversification in investment strategies. The conversation touches on geopolitical risks and the ongoing AI boom, providing listeners, particularly those in law enforcement, with valuable insights and reassurance regarding their financial decisions. To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry interview Joe Abruzzese, a retired law enforcement officer with 46 years of service as a detective for the Philadelphia Police Department and the University of Pennsylvania. Joe shares his extensive career experiences, including challenges and emotional tolls, and discusses his transition into retirement. The conversation highlights the importance of financial planning, understanding pension systems, and seeking professional financial advice. Joe reflects on his financial journey, emphasizing the need for proactive saving and investment. The episode aims to provide valuable insights and advice for law enforcement officers approaching retirement.

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry discuss the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election on financial markets. They address listener concerns about market volatility and the temptation to move investments to cash. Jim and Kevin provide historical context, noting that election years have generally been favorable for markets and that the stock market's performance is not significantly influenced by which party is in power. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a diversified investment strategy and staying invested, rather than attempting to time the market based on political events. To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry explore the topic of private equity. They explain what private equity is, the criteria for becoming an accredited investor, and how private equity differs from public equity. The discussion covers various private equity strategies, such as venture capital and buyouts, and highlights the risks and rewards associated with these investments. They also touch on the traditional 60/40 investment portfolio and its future viability, emphasizing the importance of diversification and professional advice in investment decisions. To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry discuss the midyear market trends for 2024. They begin by acknowledging the recent shooting of a Philadelphia police officer, expressing their support for law enforcement. The conversation then covers inflation, which is at 3.3%, interest rates, and the housing market, including median house prices and supply issues. They also explore the potential impact of the upcoming elections on the market. Emphasizing patience, diversification, and financial planning, Jim and Kevin offer valuable insights for investors and invite listener engagement. To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Money podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry, along with guest Frank Pizzichillo, discuss navigating financial aid for college. They emphasize the importance of filling out the FAFSA form by the deadline and understanding the student aid index. Frank shares his personal experience with the FAFSA process, offering practical tips and resources. The episode aims to educate listeners on maximizing financial aid opportunities and planning for education costs. General FAFSA Link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Student/Parent Account Creation Website : https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] To contact Frank Pizzichillo: [email protected]

In this episode of the Blue Money Podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry, along with guest Frank Pizzichillo from Valley Financial, delve into financial topics such as the "sell in May and go away" adage, economic indicators, and summer stock trends. They discuss historical market performance, particularly in election years, and the impact of geopolitical events on investments. Corporate earnings, inflation, and sectors like tourism and technology are also covered. The hosts emphasize the importance of seeking professional advice before making investment decisions and remind listeners that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. To contact Frank Pizzichillo: [email protected] To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]

In this Blue Money Podcast episode, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry welcome Chris McMullin, a retired police officer and detective, now serving as a lieutenant at the Bucks County Sheriff's Department. McMullin discusses his current role and involvement in a nonprofit called Cold Case Initiative dedicated to solving cold cases, sharing insights from his extensive experience in law enforcement. Make a donation at: www.coldcaseinitiative.org To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of the Blue Money Podcast, hosts Jim Donnelly and Kevin McGarry discuss the intricacies and risks of buying individual stocks. They stress the importance of market knowledge, diversification, and having a solid financial plan before investing. The hosts warn against the dangers of overconcentration in one sector and greed-driven decisions. They explain the use of the price-to-earnings ratio for stock evaluation and caution against following unverified investment tips. They advise seeking professional advice and remind listeners to be cautious, especially with the rise of cryptocurrency investments among police officers. The episode emphasizes informed decision-making and risk management in stock investments. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin and his co-host Jim are discussing digital currencies. Bitcoin is reaching its intraday high day over day, as of this posting. The guys understand that their listeners have questions when it comes to blockchain and digital currencies, so they’re here to help give you some answers. Kevin takes the time to break down digital currencies. He explains the big B versus the little b, and what the function they each hold. He also talks about “miners” - what they’re actually doing, how it works, and how they make money. Jim brings up ETFs for Kevin to discuss. Listen to this episode for Jim and Kevin’s opinion on adding digital currency to a financial portfolio. After hearing this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of digital currency. But if you still have questions, reach out to Jim or Kevin; their contact information is below. To contact Retired Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Jim and Kevin are talking about pivoting and making changes even when life doesn’t always go as planned. Jim, one of the cohosts of Blue Money podcast, recently had some major life changes occur, resulting in accelerating a timeline he had had outlined for himself. So Jim is speaking from first-hand experience in this episode. Jim explains how beneficial his long-term financial plan or portfolio that he’s had set up has been through this process. Whether it be due to retirement, health issues, family changes, or anything else, the guys at Valley Financial Group just want you to be well-prepared in case something happens. The guys have a discussion about the importance of having a financial plan in place. They answer your questions about fees. Kevin wants you to have a goal, and listening to this podcast will help you get there. 5 Ways Financial Planning Can Help: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/5-ways-financial-planning-can-help To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are sitting down with Paul from Guaranteed Rate to discuss mortgages. If you’re thinking about buying a home, or refinancing your home loan, you’ll want to listen to this podcast episode. Jim & Kevin are asking the questions they know you want answered, like when does it make sense to refinance? Paul explains ARM - he goes over the pros and cons and explains when it’s useful and why it’s not a bad thing. Paul has good advice for first-time home buyers, which can really be applied to all home buyers. Don’t miss when Paul brings up reverse mortgages in the last third of this episode. He explains why they no longer deserve the bad reputation they once had, and why a reverse mortgage could be a good option for a retiree. The guys close out this episode by going over best practices when looking for a mortgage. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com To work with Paul: https://www.rate.com/loan-officers/paul-zgalich-156843

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim have an in-depth discussion about interest rates. Kevin starts off by explaining how inflation and interest rates are related, and he explains the reasoning behind it. Jimmy explains what “The Fed” is. The guys discuss how interest rates affect the stock market and bonds. It’s eye-opening when Jimmy points out how much of a difference just one percent can make over the lifetime of a loan. Kevin uses recent historics to predict the future economic climate over the next year. Kevin & Jim close out this episode with advice and actions you should be taking now. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim are helping you prepare for the last quarter of 2023. They start off giving a thorough review of the market during the third quarter of 2023. Listen to find out which month is historically the year's lowest performing month every year in the 1950s. Kevin helps us sift through the negative news cycle while Jim gives us the current numbers. Kevin does a great job breaking down how the economy works and how to approach analyzing the state of the market. Kevin’s analysis of the third quarter shows a positive outlook for the fourth quarter of 2023. He takes things a step further by looking at historical data to give a detailed and informed evaluation. Listen through to the end for Kevin’s three takeaways for going into the fourth quarter of 2023. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are discussing education planning. Kevin keeps it real and is honest about the cost of financing higher education. Jim gives us the Rule of One-Third concept. Kevin goes over the different investing options for educational savings funds and how to choose the one that’s right for you. The guys go more in depth on the 529 plan. Kevin & Jim aren’t just talking about saving and investing, they’re also discussing affording higher education and paying back student loans. Kevin stresses the importance of planning ahead when it comes to saving for, and paying for, education. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin are talking more about retirement accounts. This time the guys are focusing on maxing out your retirement accounts. Kevin gives a great rule-of-thumb metric for calculating an estimate of what you’ll need for retirement. Jim & Kevin are helping you prioritize where your money goes in order to set yourself up for a comfortable retirement. Jim gives the perspective needed to invest in your retirement, as much or as little as you are currently able. If you were ever wondering who Kevin’s man-crush is, listen to this episode to find out. Calculations in this podcast have been calculated under the following assumptions: Pre-retirement portfolio 60/40 diversified portfolio Post-retirement portfolio: 40/60 diversified portfolio Inflation rate: 2.5% Retirement age: Primary earner: 65 Spouse: 63 Years in retirement:35 To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim discuss the ins and outs of DROP. If you don’t know what DROP is, don’t worry, the guys are breaking it down for you and making it easy to understand. Not only are they explaining what DROP is, but they also go over why it was first started and how it works to benefit everyone involved. If you’re thinking about entering DROP, listen to this episode before you make your decision. Kevin & Jim discuss why DROP may or may not make sense depending on the situation. Kevin gives you a list of questions to help you create your retirement plan to help assess if DROP is right for you. Jim explains the catch-up provision and the options DROP opens up. Listen through to the end for main takeaways from Kevin & Jim. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim tackle the hot topic of stocks. Kevin starts off by giving a quick current market analysis. The guys speak to the dangers of following the crowd when it comes to investing in stocks. They stress the importance of having a strategy. Kevin brings up a good point when he says, “they tell you about the winners, but not the losers.” This is advice that can be applied to more than just investing. If you’re thinking about investing in the stock market, listen to this podcast episode first. Kevin & Jim are here to help you with your strategic investing goals. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Kevin & Jim are looking at the first half of the year and preparing for the second half of the year. They’re giving suggestions on what to look at when it comes to your income, bills, savings, investments & debts. The guys are making sure that you know what your position is and are properly preparing for your future. Kevin emphasizes the importance of diversifying your portfolio and why that’s so important. Jim brings up the often overlooked aspect of insurance. Listen to go over your checklist to make sure you are in a good position going into the second half of the year. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

In this episode of Blue Money, Jim & Kevin invited Bruce Goldstein, Certified Public Accountant, to come on the show to help our law enforcement agents get the most of their tax filing this tax season. The filing deadline for this year is April 18 so it’s quickly approaching. Listen to this episode to make sure you’re not missing out on any deductions or credits available to law enforcement employees in 2023. Bruce lists off many items that, in his years of experience, he sees law enforcement employees forget they can write off as a deduction. He explains the importance of hiring a trained professional to prepare your taxes, especially one that is focused on law enforcement employees. Bruce does a great job at explaining the difference between the standard deduction and specific deductions. He also talks about the different types of tax forms and what they’re for. Listen through to the end for Bruce’s top three pieces of advice for getting the most out of your tax preparation. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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 [email protected] To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected]
 To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected]
 For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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 - [email protected] To donate to Fuel the Force: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuel-the-force-newtown To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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 are giving you a simple calculation to determine a rough estimate of the value of your pension. To contact Lt. Jim Donnelly: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com

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: [email protected] To contact Kevin McGarry: [email protected] For a free financial assessment, or for more information visit valleyfinancial.com