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The Essential Podcast

The Essential Podcast

By Barko Financial

Detach from the constant noise of the financial world and focus on what's Essential - family, purpose, and recreation. Tommy discusses financial and life strategies you can use to essentialize your life.
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6 Essential Tips For The Best Sleep Ever

The Essential PodcastDec 04, 2019

00:00
18:01
Essential Travel: National Parks and Exploring Nature

Essential Travel: National Parks and Exploring Nature

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.

Jul 14, 202220:25
Recession, Correction or Bear Market?

Recession, Correction or Bear Market?

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.

May 23, 202218:02
Essential Book Review - Effortless

Essential Book Review - Effortless

Effortless (by Greg McKeown) is the highly anticipated follow up to one of our most favorite books ever - Essentialism. How does it compare? Does it live up to the hype? Check out this essential review.
Oct 21, 202117:08
5 Retirement Mistakes Business Owners Make

5 Retirement Mistakes Business Owners Make

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?

Jul 30, 202117:28
8 Timeless Insights

8 Timeless Insights

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

May 20, 202119:08
4 Weeks Without A Smart Phone

4 Weeks Without A Smart Phone

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

Mar 16, 202119:15
Eliminate Distractions And Unplug

Eliminate Distractions And Unplug

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

Feb 03, 202123:14
Our 6 Favorite Episodes

Our 6 Favorite Episodes

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.

Dec 08, 202013:15
Two Books To Consider

Two Books To Consider

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.

Nov 11, 202026:18
Election Day Update

Election Day Update

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.

Nov 03, 202020:30
A New (Essential?) Hobby To Try

A New (Essential?) Hobby To Try

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.

Oct 20, 202019:40
An Essential Fall Travel Destination

An Essential Fall Travel Destination

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

Oct 06, 202022:29
Finding Focus In A Distracted World

Finding Focus In A Distracted World

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.

Sep 23, 202014:14
Do Presidential Elections Affect The Stock Market?

Do Presidential Elections Affect The Stock Market?

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.

Sep 08, 202016:43
4 Essential Recipes

4 Essential Recipes

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.

Aug 25, 202015:36
Buying A Vacation Home

Buying A Vacation Home

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

Aug 11, 202013:59
Benefits Of Owning Pets

Benefits Of Owning Pets

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.

Jul 28, 202015:16
Traveling During The Pandemic

Traveling During The Pandemic

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.

Jul 14, 202021:39
Happy 4th!

Happy 4th!

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

Jun 30, 202001:46
3 Ways To Feel In Control Now

3 Ways To Feel In Control Now

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.  

Jun 16, 202011:55
The Great Reset

The Great Reset

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.

Jun 02, 202015:37
Should You Take A 401k Withdrawal?

Should You Take A 401k Withdrawal?

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?

May 19, 202019:33
Essential ID Theft Prevention Tips

Essential ID Theft Prevention Tips

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.

May 05, 202018:22
How To Get Things Right

How To Get Things Right

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.

Apr 21, 202013:37
The CARES Act

The CARES Act

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.

Apr 07, 202015:51
Special Bulletin: Market Update

Special Bulletin: Market Update

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.

Mar 13, 202010:05
Quotes & Clichés

Quotes & Clichés

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.

Mar 10, 202012:22
Things You Can't Control

Things You Can't Control

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

Feb 25, 202018:27
The FIRE Movement

The FIRE Movement

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.

Feb 11, 202021:58
3 Keys To Make Your Habits Stick

3 Keys To Make Your Habits Stick

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.

Jan 29, 202017:03
4 Essential Retirement Factors You Can Control

4 Essential Retirement Factors You Can Control

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.

Jan 14, 202013:45
5 Essential Tips To Take Better iPhone Photos

5 Essential Tips To Take Better iPhone Photos

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.

Dec 18, 201923:03
6 Essential Tips For The Best Sleep Ever

6 Essential Tips For The Best Sleep Ever

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

Dec 04, 201918:01
The Intentionally Thankful Thanksgiving

The Intentionally Thankful Thanksgiving

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.

Nov 19, 201914:17
Game Night Ideas and The Importance of Play

Game Night Ideas and The Importance of Play

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

Nov 05, 201918:17
3 Keys To Unlock Your Purpose

3 Keys To Unlock Your Purpose

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.

Oct 22, 201915:57
Essential Vacationing with Kids or Grandkids

Essential Vacationing with Kids or Grandkids

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.

Oct 08, 201917:10
A Day In The Life Of A Financial Advisor

A Day In The Life Of A Financial Advisor

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.

Sep 24, 201911:34
How To Add 10 Years To Your Life

How To Add 10 Years To Your Life

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.

Sep 10, 201913:39
3 Essential Productivity Tips

3 Essential Productivity Tips

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

Aug 27, 201914:58
7 Essential Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

7 Essential Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

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?
Aug 13, 201919:19
Dangers of Emotional Investing

Dangers of Emotional Investing

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.

Jul 30, 201914:04
Essential Financial Planning Tools

Essential Financial Planning Tools

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.

Jul 17, 201915:04
Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

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.

Jul 03, 201902:46
Travel, Without the Baggage.

Travel, Without the Baggage.

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.

Jun 18, 201915:48
Obsolete by 2025?

Obsolete by 2025?

Technology is moving fast and likely won't slow down. We consider a few everyday things that could be on the way to obsolescence. Join in for this episode and consider the possibilities with us.
Jun 04, 201923:44
Essential Reading - 3 Books in 3 Weeks

Essential Reading - 3 Books in 3 Weeks

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.

May 21, 201921:30
What About Dave Ramsey??

What About Dave Ramsey??

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.

May 06, 201911:15
Essential Travel Destinations 2.0

Essential Travel Destinations 2.0

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."

Apr 23, 201928:39
Slavery Still Exists Today - EyeHeartWorld
Apr 10, 201926:44