The Essential Podcast

Finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures both before and during retirement.  Here is some highlights, tips and inspiration from our time visiting 15 of our great National Parks.

Recession or Bear Market? 2022 is shaping up to be one of the worst starts ever for the markets.  Here are our thoughts on where we are, what's ahead and 3 really great reasons to Invest anyway.

Small-business owners spend so much time and energy building their company that they often neglect their personal financial future.  Are you making any of these 5 retirement planning mistakes?

Financial planning doesn't have to be overwhelming.  On this episode we discuss a simplified framework built with 8 Timeless Investing Insights.  Grab the free eBook: barkofinancial.com/8timelessinsights

After nearly 4 weeks of eliminating the distractions (and convenience) of a Smart Phone, we check in with Matt for an update.

Here's a great option to eliminate distractions an unplug, starting with your phone.

The Essential Podcast is 3 years old!  We end the year with a look back at some of our favorite episodes.  Join us for this stroll down memory lane.

It's time for another book review (or two).  On this episode, we discuss two books that deserve a spot on your reading list.  Grab one to enjoy during this approaching holiday season and get ready for 2021.

Who wins?  When will we find out?  And how will the markets react?   While our votes should reflect our personal beliefs and preferences, it's important to remember what affects markets in the long run.

Matt's new hobby is one to consider.  Recreation is Essential and a hobby is a great way to manage stress while having fun.  Here's one anyone can try.

You need a vacation!  Here is our recommended destination for Fall 2020.  Hint: The mountains are calling...

The world is noisy, filled with intense distractions and almost endless road blocks to our ability to focus.  With so many things competing for our attention, these 4 tips will help.

Even though Presidential Elections happen every four years, they often breed uncertainty or anxiety about the financial markets and other investment matters.  How should investors react to what may be a bitter campaign? Should investors fear either party winning the White House?  Is it best to sit on the sidelines until the dust settles?  On a short-term basis, election headlines have the power to move markets and create stock market volatility.  Here are the facts.

Whether spending an evening out by the grill or smoker, or serving a perfect steak cooked indoors, here are 4 essential recipes to finish the Summer strong and kick off your Fall gatherings with delicious ease.

Here are 4 essential tips to consider before buying your vacation home.

What else is new for 2020?  A national pet shortage.  True story!  Here are some things to consider when adding a furry friend to your family.

Tommy talks about traveling during the pandemic and provides tips and insights from a recent road trip that covered 3 states and 5 different hotels.

Here's a short message from Tommy as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our great country this weekend!

If you've felt confused or anxious as a result of recent events, here is an action plan you can follow to regain focus, boost confidence and provide a much needed sense of control.  

Life as we all knew it came to an abrupt halt.  As things begin to return to "normal", consider the perspective to view this "Great Reset" as an opportunity to live a more intentional and essential life.

The CAREs Act has provided some options to access 401k and other retirement accounts in the face of historic unemployment and the COVID-19 pandemic.  What are the details and what should you do?

Risk Management is Essential, and with 1 in 15 consumers falling victim to Identity Theft annually, we should be intentional to minimize our vulnerability.  Here are some helpful steps you can take now.

Our brains are great at thinking and problem solving - not remembering.  That's why we find ourselves often feeling forgetful and frustrated, overlooking mundane, essential or even lifesaving details.  Want to know the solution?  We review a book that has the answer.

Here is what you need to know about the COVID-19 stimulus bill.  We discuss key provisions of the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act.

On this special edition of The Essential Podcast, we cover what you need to know about the stock market moves and the recent panic.  Listen in for our perspective.

We take a time out to share and discuss some of our favorite quotes and clichés.  Have a listen and if you have a favorite, we'd love to hear it.

Here are 4 key financial factors you can't control.  Be aware of them, and then let them go.

Retire (well) before 50 and live your best life!

This is the message of the FIRE Movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), which is drawing interest worldwide.  Is it really possible to retire so young?  Or is this radical idea, also radically unrealistic?  Listen in for our perspective.

The New Year can be a great time to reset, establish new goals and create good habits. Are you still on track?  Recent research indicates that only 8% of New Years Resolutions stick.  Here are 3 keys to help you stay focused or get back on track.

Everyone needs clear retirement goals, but it’s just as important to focus on the actions that will get you to those goals.  Here are 4 Essential Factors you CAN control to help you move towards those retirement savings and planning goals.

Here are 5 easy pro tips to take better photos with your phone from a very special guest, who happens to be a Professional Photographer.

Sleep.  It's awesome.  We discuss some little known benefits and give 6 tips to help you cultivate this hidden super power.

Be Intentionally Thankful this year with our "W5" goal setting process. In addition to enjoying family time, relaxing travel and great food, use this season to reflect and prepare for 2020.

Recreation is Essential.  Prioritize and cultivate "play" for your family and friends with these suggestions.

No matter your current season of life, we should all be striving to clarify our purpose.  Here are 3 keys to help unlock and identify yours.

Kids vacationing with grandparents can be a win-win.  The benefits are far reaching for everyone involved, and on this episode, we discuss some tips for making it a little easier.

Ever wonder what we do all day?  Hint: It's not like the movies.

We reveal a little of the day to day at Barko Financial and discuss the most difficult and most rewarding aspects of being an Advisor.

The research is in —>  Optimistic people live longer!  Here are 4 tips to cultivate optimism in your life and make it happier and (hopefully) longer.

Use these 3 Productivity Tips to remain focused and boost productivity in either your Personal or Professional Life.

It’s important to ask the right questions before partnering with an advisor.  On this episode, we answer all 7 of the "Interview Questions" recommended by Dave Ramsey:

1. What do you love about your job?
2. What services do you provide clients?
3. What is your investment philosophy?
4. How will we communicate about my investments?
5. How do you get paid?
6. How will you measure and evaluate my investment performance?
7. Can you tell me why the last two clients you lost stopped working with you?

The Dow recently set (another) record, closing at 27,359.16.  Curious what should you do?  With the market's near all-time highs, it's crucial to keep emotions in check and remain focused on your objectives.  Here is some timely perspective to help identify the essentials.

There are some basic aspects of financial life that everyone should have a good handle on.  We've made some of our powerful financial tools available for free because we believe everyone deserves access to them.  On this episode, we discuss three key features and explain how anyone can take control and start using them now.

Wishing you a fun and safe 4th of July!  Here are a few fun facts about the holiday just in time for conversations at the family BBQ.

Traveling this summer?  Here are 5 tips to help you get by with just a carry-on.  

Air travel is stressful.  While some stress may be unavoidable, like the long lines at security, other sources of stress, like dealing with luggage check-in and baggage claim, can be reduced.  If you think checking in luggage for your two-week vacation is inescapable, think again.  We discuss some ideas to help you get by with just a carry-on and by-pass the hassles (and fees) of checking in luggage.

Tommy read 3 really good (dare we say essential) books in 3 weeks and discusses the highlights and how they were indirectly connected.  Tune in for our first Essential Reading book review!  Authors: James Clear, Cal Newport, and Laura Vanderkam.

We get a lot of financial questions.  A lot.  One of the most frequent questions is something like "what do we think about Dave Ramsey" and "do you agree with his financial philosophies?"  Want to know where we stand?  Have a listen.

Summer is almost here and for many folks, that means V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.  Here are two destinations to consider now and to definitely put on your "Life List."