When it comes to your 401(k) plan, you want to keep your hands off for as long as possible. The longer those funds can compound and grow, the better.

In this episode, Malcolm Ethridge speaks about his recent blog that left a few people uneasy about the message he was getting across. Malcolm discusses why he believes that you should not be borrowing from your 401(k) and what could happen if you do.  

In this episode, we discuss:

• The unintended consequences of 401(k) plan loans and early distributions
• The Cares Act and its impact on 401(k) plan distributions 
• The growing trends around 401(k) loans and debt consolidation  
• Alternative ideas to access capital instead of tapping into your 401(k)
• And more!

Tune in to discover how tapping into your 401(k) plan could hurt you in the long run and what you should be doing instead! 

Resources: MalcomEthridge.com | Malcolm Ethridge | Malcolm’s Blog | Malcolm on Twitter

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The world of franchising includes more than just fast food

In this episode, Malcolm Ethridge is joined by Boynton Weekes, a franchise business consultant with FranNet. Malcolm and Boynton take a deep dive into all things franchising, from selecting the right concept, how to finance it, and how much time it really takes to own and operate your own franchise.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What commonly known businesses are franchises 
• The Semi-Absentee Model of franchising  
• What the average franchise costs to get up and running  
• Time commitments to owning and operating a franchise 
• Boynton’s advice to anyone looking to franchise 
• And more!

If you’ve ever thought of buying a franchise as a great way to become an entrepreneur or as an interesting way to diversify your overall investment portfolio, then this episode is for you!

Resources: MalcomEthridge.com | Malcolm Ethridge | Malcolm’s Blog | Malcolm on Twitter | Boynton Weekes | FranNet

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Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen a renewed interest in the markets from so-called retail investors – otherwise known as Mom-and-Pop or Main Street investors. 

What does this mean for the markets long-term?

In this episode, Malcolm Ethridge is joined by the one and only Chris Hill, host of the Motley Fool Money podcast by the Motley Fool. Malcolm and Chris give their respective takes on what could be the driving force behind this movement and whether they think it’s here to stay. They also discuss the ways in which social media has impacted the stock market and what they expect the lasting effects could be.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Motley Fool platform and the ways it has evolved   
• Ways that professionals in the financial services arena can help to curb the irrational exuberance of new investors  
• The renewed interest in investing by Main Street investors.
• Chris’s advice for anyone getting started investing today  
• And more!

Tune in to hear some advice from a seasoned veteran on how to be smart about making that first investment. 

Resources: MalcomEthridge.com | Malcolm Ethridge | Chris Hill | Motley Fool Money Podcast

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Are you asking the right questions for yourself and your financial goals? When you first begin looking for a financial advisor, there are some things you should be asking yourself.

In this episode, Malcolm Ethridge is joined by Malcolm Hodge, strategic sourcing manager at Microsoft. Malcolm puts Malcolm in the hot seat, asking questions he needs answers to, keeping in mind the interests of fellow tech professionals and what they need to know when choosing a financial advisor.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• How do you know if an advisor is a fiduciary and what this means 
• The varying ways that financial advisors are compensated
• What questions you should be asking your financial advisor before hiring them
• Malcolm’s personal investment philosophy
• And more!

Tune in to hear the questions you should be asking your advisor!

Resources: MalcomEthridge.com | Malcolm Ethridge | Why It Matters Your Financial Advisor is a Fiduciary | The Intangible Benefits of Working With a Financial Advisor | Malcolm Hodge

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