The New York Times reported that people leaving California outnumbered newcomers by more than 700,000 people between April 2020 and July 2022. A further breakdown shows that over 407,000 people left between July 2021 and 2022, plus an additional 343,000 people left California in 2022 alone. That's the highest exodus of any state in the US in history.

So, why are we seeing such a mass movement? The reasons are plenty, from cheaper homes and lower cost of living to lower taxes, escaping a rise in crime, the desire for a more relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle, and even political dissatisfaction. But alongside this significant lifestyle change, there are many elements to consider, like how to choose a state, what will my new cost of living look like, if healthcare needs will be met, what types of social or recreational activities there will be, the logistics of moving, and so much more. 

In this episode of A Place of Possibility, we’re joined by Keller Williams Certified Real Estate Planner Lucien Cazanave. Lucien is a born-and-raised Bay Area native who started in the emergency medical field and spent 20 years as an Oakland firefighter. His interest in real estate was piqued when he was tasked with packing equipment for retiring firefighters, where he routinely heard of their dreams and plans of moving elsewhere. These conversations with those firefighters and his personal experiences in moving and helping others move built his passion for helping people buy and sell their homes and even relocate across the country. 

Listen in as we discuss:

• The most important factors to consider when moving to a different state
• How taxes and cost of living in California compare to other states
• The best ways to learn more about the area you’re considering calling home
• Rules that need to be met when establishing your new domicile 
• And much more!

Whether you have years to go before retirement or you’re already there and ready to shake things up, we’re positive you’ll find valuable nuggets of information in this episode. Perhaps what you learn from here will shift your perspective and provide new and exciting insights as to how you should spend your golden years. So get comfy and press play!

With the roller coaster of inflation, interest rates, and more, 2023 was a wild ride. But the real driving force seems to be the dramatically pessimistic media. If one of your goals for 2024 is to improve your financial health, then you’re in the right place. In our opinion, the first step is to ignore market predictions, no matter how scary they seem. They’re usually far from accurate! We have real-life examples and stories to prove it if you don't believe us. After all, the market has shown time and time again that it always bounces back.

Along with a look back at 2023’s good, bad, and ugly, we’ll also be sharing special money-saving tips and insights that are not widely known or discussed. Uncover the secret to locking in a 3% fixed mortgage rate despite the current market, get resources on negotiating college financial aid packages to your benefit, and much more!

Plus, to combat the effects of negative media, we’re setting a positive tone for 2024 by sharing a few major wins from the year before. These include important medical breakthroughs, strides toward eliminating food waste, and even reduced our carbon footprint. You can rest assured that despite what you’re hearing, things are looking up!

“Listen in because this is the first and only time you'll ever hear this, probably in DMG history. Our marketing prediction for 2024 is that the stock market will fluctuate. That's all we can guarantee, folks.”

So, join us on our first 2024 episode of A Place of Possibility as we discuss:

• Some of the worst market predictions ever and how they negatively impacted the lives of many,
• Secret money-saving tips to help you navigate 2024 and come out on top,
• Positive highlights of 2023,
• How you can save money by being mindful of food expiration dates,

And more!

We know this year has a lot of great things in store, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you. Happy listening!

As the calendar pages flip towards the imminent 2024, it’s the perfect moment to execute those strategic financial maneuvers that will set the stage for a successful tax season and ensure you leave the year on a high note. If you’ve been tuning in regularly, you already know we’ve been through the year-end rodeo before, and for our newcomers, buckle up because we’ve meticulously crafted a hit list that’s bound to elevate your financial game. You’ll want to act quickly; many must be completed by December 31st.

In this info-packed episode, we’re diving deep into the realm of tax arbitrage, Roth conversions, backdoor Roth contributions, and tax loss harvesting – all crucial moves in your financial playbook. Discover the secrets to maximizing your retirement contributions, unravel the mysteries of tax law changes that could reshape your financial landscape in 2024 and beyond, and stay ahead of the curve with essential deadlines that demand your attention.

But wait, there’s more! We’ll uncover innovative ways to save through charitable donations, business and environmental investments, and exploring other financial gems that often slip through the cracks. When we proclaim that the time is now to whip your financial affairs into shape, we mean business!

So, join us in this episode of A Place of Possibility as we discuss:

• Required minimum distribution deadlines – this is important for our older followers!
• Tax benefits related to Qualified Charitable Distributions.
• How to lower your tax rate with specific retirement contributions – 401(k) and 403(b) contributions must be made this year!
• The tax-free wonder known as Health Savings Accounts.
• Special money-saving tips for those who are self-employed.
• Why Medicare beneficiaries must be mindful of their monthly adjusted income (MAGI) to avoid paying thousands in extra taxes.

AND MORE!

The countdown has begun, and we’re here to ensure you usher in 2024 with financial confidence. Get ready for an episode that’s not just informative but also transformative. Let’s make it a year to remember together!