Personal Finance

Personal finance refers to the management of an individual’s financial resources and decisions regarding money matters. It involves various aspects of managing income, expenses, savings, investments, and debt with the aim of achieving financial stability, security, and long-term goals.

How Long Will Your Retirement Savings Last? (Excel Simulation)

Wondering how long your retirement savings will last? In this video, we build a powerful Excel Monte Carlo simulation to forecast portfolio longevity and simulate annual returns across asset classes. You’ll learn how to input your personal data, project portfolio value over time, and calculate the average age your money runs out. Perfect for anyone doing retirement planning in Excel or testing different withdrawal strategies.

💾 *Download Free Excel File Here*: https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/retirement-savings-calculator/

*Need Ryan’s Help With Your Retirement Planning?*
Find my high net worth consulting service here: https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/financial-strategy/

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro: When Will Your Money Run Out in Retirement?
0:29 – Input Your Personal Details
2:36 – Calculate Future Age and Year
4:03 – Simulate Annual Returns by Asset Class
6:05 – Calculate Portfolio Value Year by Year
8:10 – Analyze Portfolio Value Over Your Lifetime
9:07 – Run a Monte Carlo Simulation on Your Portfolio
11:39 – Calculate the Average Age Your Money Runs Out
12:16 – Adjust Inputs and Re-Run the Simulation

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Margin Trading Explained | Risks, Benefits & How It Works

In this video, we break down margin trading, how it works, and the key risks and benefits every trader should know. You’ll learn what it means to trade with borrowed money, the potential for amplified gains, and the dangers of margin calls. We also explain the margin requirements set by brokers and how to use leverage responsibly. Whether you’re a beginner or just exploring new strategies, this is your complete guide to trading on margin.

📊 *Margin Rate Calculator →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-margin

🎓 *This Video Is Part of My Full Options Trading Course:*
Go deeper with step-by-step lessons, paper trading practice, and downloadable resources.
👉 https://ryano.finance/options-course

Chapters
0:00 What is Margin Trading?
1:33 Risk of Margin Trading
4:46 What are the Benefits of Margin Trading?

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This content is provided by a paid Influencer of Interactive Brokers. Influencer is not employed by, partnered with, or otherwise affiliated with Interactive Brokers in any additional fashion. This content represents the opinions of Influencer, which are not necessarily shared by Interactive Brokers. The experiences of the Influencer may not be representative of other customers, and nothing within this content is a guarantee of future performance or success.

None of the information contained herein constitutes a recommendation, promotion, offer, or solicitation of an offer by Interactive Brokers to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument or to engage in any specific investment strategy. Investment involves risks. Investors should obtain their own independent financial advice and understand the risks associated with investment products and services before making investment decisions. Risk disclosure statements can be found on the Interactive Brokers website.

Interactive Brokers is a FINRA registered broker and SIPC member, as well as a National Futures Association registered Futures Commission Merchant. Interactive Brokers provides execution and clearing services to its customers. For more information regarding Interactive Brokers or any Interactive Brokers products or services referred to in this video, please visit interactivebrokers.com.

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. For information on the uses and risks of options, you can obtain a copy of the Options Clearing Corporation risk disclosure document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options by clicking the link below. Multiple leg strategies, including spreads, will incur multiple transaction costs. theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Any trading symbols, entities or investment products displayed or named in this podcast are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to portray recommendations.

Margin Trading:
Trading on margin is only for sophisticated investors with high risk tolerance. You may lose more than your initial investment. For additional information regarding margin loan rates, see ibkr.com/interest

Best Order to Pay Off Debt | Debt Avalanche vs. Largest Balance | Excel Example

What’s the best order to pay off debt for maximum savings? In this video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM, breaks down two popular debt payoff strategies—the Debt Avalanche method, which prioritizes paying off high-interest debt first, and the Largest Balance method, which focuses on eliminating the biggest loans first. Using a step-by-step Excel example, we compare these approaches to determine which one helps you pay off debt faster while saving the most money. If you’re on a debt payoff journey, trying to decide between different debt payoff methods, or looking for a debt payoff calculator to track your progress, this video has everything you need.

We also discuss whether you should sell investments to pay off debt, how your credit card debt interest rate compares to margin rates, and how to pay off debt fast with a structured plan. Whether you’re using the Debt Snowball spreadsheet, the Debt Avalanche method, or another debt payoff strategy, this video provides a data-driven approach to help you make the smartest financial decision. Watch until the end to find the best debt payoff plan and start eliminating debt strategically.

📊 *See Margin Rates →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-margin

💾 *Download Free Excel File Here →* https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/debt-paydown-calculation-excel-template/

Chapters:
0:00 – Best Order to Pay Off Debt: Introduction
0:47 – List Debt Amounts & Interest Rates
2:00 – Pay Off Largest Debt First? Pros & Cons
4:10 – Debt Avalanche: Paying High-Interest Debt First
5:36 – Should You Sell Investments to Pay Debt?
6:49 – Debt Interest vs. Margin Rates: What Matters?

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This content is provided by a paid Influencer of Interactive Brokers. Influencer is not employed by, partnered with, or otherwise affiliated with Interactive Brokers in any additional fashion. This content represents the opinions of Influencer, which are not necessarily shared by Interactive Brokers. The experiences of the Influencer may not be representative of other customers, and nothing within this content is a guarantee of future performance or success.

None of the information contained herein constitutes a recommendation, promotion, offer, or solicitation of an offer by Interactive Brokers to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument or to engage in any specific investment strategy. Investment involves risks. Investors should obtain their own independent financial advice and understand the risks associated with investment products and services before making investment decisions. Risk disclosure statements can be found on the Interactive Brokers website.

Interactive Brokers is a FINRA registered broker and SIPC member, as well as a National Futures Association registered Futures Commission Merchant. Interactive Brokers provides execution and clearing services to its customers. For more information regarding Interactive Brokers or any Interactive Brokers products or services referred to in this video, please visit www.interactivebrokers.com.

The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes generated by the Tools mentioned in this video are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. It is important to understand that these projections are based on certain assumptions and models, and actual outcomes may differ significantly. Please note that results may vary over time.

Any trading symbols, entities or investment products displayed or named in this podcast are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to portray recommendations.

Margin Trading:
Trading on margin is only for sophisticated investors with high risk tolerance. You may lose more than your initial investment. For additional information regarding margin loan rates, see ibkr.com/interest

The information in this video does not constitute tax advice and cannot be used by the recipient or any other taxpayer to avoid penalties under any federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, or to resolve any tax issue.

Margin Trading & Leverage: Is It Worth the Risk? (Excel & Monte Carlo Analysis)

Is margin trading & leverage a smart strategy, or is it just added risk? In this video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM, breaks down the real impact of margin trading on portfolio returns using a data-driven Excel analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. You’ll learn how margin works, leverage ratios, and margin interest rates affect investment growth—and whether the potential higher returns outweigh the risks.

We start by explaining the fundamentals of leverage and margin trading, followed by a step-by-step portfolio growth model comparing leveraged vs. non-leveraged strategies. I used Interactive Brokers’ margin rates for this analysis, but you can apply the same approach using Fidelity, Robinhood, or Binance margin rates as well.

📊 *Margin Rate Calculator →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-margin

💾 *Download Free Excel File Here:* https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/margin-trading-return-simulator/

Chapters:
0:00 – What Is Leverage?
0:50 – Setting Expectations: Return & Risk
2:05 – Margin Trading Explained: How It Works & Costs
4:18 – Understanding Leverage Ratios & Their Impact
4:57 – Predicting Portfolio Growth With Margin Trading
9:22 – Comparing Portfolio Growth: With & Without Margin
10:15 – Monte Carlo Simulation: Testing Margin Trading Performance
11:49 – Is Using Margin Worth It?

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This content is provided by a paid Influencer of Interactive Brokers. Influencer is not employed by, partnered with, or otherwise affiliated with Interactive Brokers in any additional fashion. This content represents the opinions of Influencer, which are not necessarily shared by Interactive Brokers. The experiences of the Influencer may not be representative of other customers, and nothing within this content is a guarantee of future performance or success.

None of the information contained herein constitutes a recommendation, promotion, offer, or solicitation of an offer by Interactive Brokers to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument or to engage in any specific investment strategy. Investment involves risks. Investors should obtain their own independent financial advice and understand the risks associated with investment products and services before making investment decisions. Risk disclosure statements can be found on the Interactive Brokers website.

Interactive Brokers is a FINRA registered broker and SIPC member, as well as a National Futures Association registered Futures Commission Merchant. Interactive Brokers provides execution and clearing services to its customers. For more information regarding Interactive Brokers or any Interactive Brokers products or services referred to in this video, please visit www.interactivebrokers.com.

The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes generated by the Tools mentioned in this video are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. It is important to understand that these projections are based on certain assumptions and models, and actual outcomes may differ significantly. Please note that results may vary over time.

Any trading symbols, entities or investment products displayed or named in this podcast are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to portray recommendations.

Margin Trading:
Trading on margin is only for sophisticated investors with high risk tolerance. You may lose more than your initial investment. For additional information regarding margin loan rates, see ibkr.com/interest

Any discussion or mention of an ETF is not to be construed as a recommendation, promotion or solicitation. All investors should review and consider associated investment risks, charges and expenses of the investment company or fund prior to investing. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

Why Many Smart Investors Are Ditching Checking Accounts | How to Save Money Faster

Looking for the best money saving tips? In this video, I’ll share how to save money fast, even with a small salary or low income, by using high-yield cash management accounts instead of traditional checking accounts. Learn money-saving hacks with FDIC-insured options like Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Fidelity’s Cash Management Account, and high-yield savings accounts like Marcus by Goldman Sachs. These money tips will help you maximize interest, grow your savings account, and even generate passive income while keeping your money safe. Don’t let your cash sit idle—watch now to upgrade your personal finance strategy and make the most of your money!

*Interactive Brokers Links*
🔗 *IBKR Cash Management →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-cash
📊 *IBKR Interest Calculator →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-cash-interest
💰 *IBKR Deposit Sweep Program →* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-sweep

🏦 *Fidelity Cash Management →* https://www.fidelity.com/spend-save/fidelity-cash-management-account/overview
🏦 *Marcus By Goldman Sachs →* https://www.marcus.com/us/en

Chapters
0:00 – Many Experts Don’t Use Traditional Banks
1:25 – The Interest Rates Checking’s Accounts Pay
2:39 – Method 1: For People W/ High Cash Balances (IBKR)
5:00 – Method 2: For People W/ Low Cash Balances (Fidelity)
6:53 – High Yield Savings Accounts (Marcus by Goldman Sachs)

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This content is provided by a paid Influencer of Interactive Brokers. Influencer is not employed by, partnered with, or otherwise affiliated with Interactive Brokers in any additional fashion. This content represents the opinions of Influencer, which are not necessarily shared by Interactive Brokers. The experiences of the Influencer may not be representative of other customers, and nothing within this content is a guarantee of future performance or success.

None of the information contained herein constitutes a recommendation, promotion, offer, or solicitation of an offer by Interactive Brokers to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument or to engage in any specific investment strategy. Investment involves risks. Investors should obtain their own independent financial advice and understand the risks associated with investment products and services before making investment decisions. Risk disclosure statements can be found on the Interactive Brokers website.

Interactive Brokers is a FINRA registered broker and SIPC member, as well as a National Futures Association registered Futures Commission Merchant. Interactive Brokers provides execution and clearing services to its customers. For more information regarding Interactive Brokers or any Interactive Brokers products or services referred to in this video, please visit www.interactivebrokers.com.

Interactive Brokers LLC is a U.S. Broker/Dealer and not a Bank, as such Interactive Brokers’ accounts are not eligible for FDIC coverage, but are insured through SIPC. For additional information about SIPC coverage please visit www.sipc.org
Interactive Brokers (IB) cash balances are not directly protected by the FDIC. However, IB’s Insured Bank Deposit Sweep Program provides FDIC insurance for eligible clients.

Rates as of February 4, 2025. *Rate shown applies to IBKR Pro clients only. Positive settled cash balances held in the securities segment of accounts with NAV greater than 100k earn the stated interest rate and those with NAV less than 100k earn a proportional rate. Cash held in the commodities segment of an account does not earn interest. Rates are subject to change.

Any trading symbols, entities or investment products displayed or named in this podcast are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to portray recommendations.

Should You Buy Leveraged ETFs Long Term? | Leverage Decay Explained In Excel

Should you buy leveraged ETFs for the long term? In this video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM, explains leverage decay and how it impacts the performance of leveraged ETFs over time. Using Excel, you’ll learn to calculate expected returns, randomize daily returns, and analyze leveraged portfolio outcomes through examples and Monte Carlo simulations. Discover whether leveraged ETFs are a viable long-term investment strategy or better suited for short-term trading.

📈 *This Broker Has The Best Margin Rates For Leverage:* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-overview

💾 *Download Free Excel File Here:* https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/leveraged-etf-leverage-decay-simulator/

Chapters:
0:00 – Definition of Leverage Decay
0:36 – Expected Return & Standard Deviation in Excel
2:07 – Randomizing Daily Returns on Index
4:34 – Calculating Leveraged Returns
5:12 – Leveraged Portfolio Outcome Examples
5:54 – Monte Carlo Simulation of Leveraged Portfolios
9:24 – Volatility Decay of Leveraged ETFs Explained

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Financial Leverage Explained | The Power of Borrowed Money

Unlock the secrets of Financial Leverage and discover how borrowed money can amplify your returns—or increase your risks. In this video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM, explains when financial leverage works, provides a simple financial leverage example, and demonstrates the formula to calculate leveraged returns. Perfect for students and professionals, this guide highlights the power of leveraging and its impact on investment strategies. Watch now to deepen your understanding of financial leverage and how to use it effectively!

🎓 *Get 25% Off CFA Courses (Featuring My Videos!) — Use code RYAN25 here:*
👉 https://ryano.finance/cfa

Chapters:
0:00 – When Financial Leverage Works
0:26 – Simple Financial Leverage Example
2:50 – Formula to Calculate Leveraged Returns

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Should You Realize Capital Gains Now or Later? Excel Analysis Explained

Learn whether you should realize capital gains now and pay taxes or hold your investment and defer taxes in this step-by-step Excel analysis. This video covers key concepts like understanding capital gains tax brackets, calculating starting values, capital appreciation, and taxes paid for both scenarios. You’ll also see a comparison of the final values and how much additional return the earlier realization scenario would need to break even. Perfect for investors looking to optimize their tax strategy, this tutorial simplifies a complex financial dilemma with clear examples in Excel.

📈 *See Why I Recommend This Broker:* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-overview

💾 *Download Free Excel File Here:* https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/capital-gains-tax-investment-value-calculator/

Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction: The Capital Gains Dilemma
1:03 – Understanding Capital Gains Tax Brackets
2:03 – Forming Assumptions Regarding Expected Returns
2:49 – Calculating Starting Values for Each Scenario
3:57 – Calculating Capital Appreciation Over Time
5:41 – Calculating Taxes Paid at the End
7:01 – Comparing Final Values of Both Scenarios
7:40 – How Much Extra Return Is Needed to Break Even?
9:17 – Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Ultimate Excel Spreadsheet for Self Employed Entrepreneurs | Track Profits & Estimate Taxes

In this video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM walks you through The Ultimate Excel Spreadsheet for Self-Employed Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses, designed to help you track profits and estimate taxes with ease. Learn how to accurately manage your revenue, business and personal expenses, and understand crucial tax calculations like self-employment tax and federal income tax. Ryan also covers how to estimate quarterly taxes, calculate your net worth, and plan for retirement, all tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States. Whether you’re new to small business finances or a seasoned entrepreneur, this video simplifies tax planning and financial tracking. Download the Excel template and take control of your small business finances today!

💾 *Purchase the file created in this video here:*
https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/the-ultimate-excel-spreadsheet-for-self-employed-entrepreneurs/

📈 *See Why I Recommend This Broker:* https://ryano.finance/ibkr-overview

Chapters
0:00 – Financial Model Overview | Track Your Earnings & Taxes
6:29 – Revenue Tracking Explained | Accurate Income Calculations
10:38 – Business and Personal Expenses | Maximizing Tax Deductions
12:22 – Self-Employment Tax | How to Calculate
15:24 – Federal Income Tax Calculation Simplified
27:38 – State Taxes | Estimate With Online Tool
29:32 – Calculate Your Personal Budget & Post Tax Monthly Savings
33:17 – Personal Balance Sheet | Calculate Your Net Worth
35:53 – Retirement Age & Net Worth Calculator | Plan Your Future
43:22 – Quarterly Taxes | How to Estimate
45:19 – Errors and Omissions | Ongoing Updates

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Traditional vs Roth IRA Rollover: Excel Analysis

In this comprehensive video, Ryan O’Connell, CFA, FRM, delves into the intricate differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, focusing on the pivotal decision of whether to rollover from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The video, titled “Traditional vs Roth IRA Rollover: Excel Analysis,” offers a detailed, Excel-based breakdown of each IRA type, making complex financial concepts accessible and understandable. Beginning with an introduction to the basics of Traditional and Roth IRAs, Ryan expertly guides viewers through an Excel model, demonstrating how to calculate potential tax implications, the impact of rollovers, and the long-term value of each IRA option. The video is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their retirement planning, particularly those considering a rollover.

💾 Purchase the file created in this video here: https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/product/traditional-vs-roth-ira-rollover-excel-model/

👨‍💼 My Freelance Financial Modeling Services:
► Custom financial modeling solutions tailored for your needs: https://ryanoconnellfinance.com/freelance-finance-services/

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro to Traditional Vs Roth IRA Rollover
2:15 – Declaring Inputs for IRA Excel Model
6:55 – Modeling a Traditional IRA in Excel
22:00 – Taxes on Traditional IRA
32:42 – Saving Excess Distributions in a Brokerage Account
37:17 – Inheritance for Traditional IRA
44:00 – Rollover Traditional IRA Into Roth IRA
48:14 – Taxes on Rollover Into Roth IRA
57:32 – Roth IRA Value Over Time
1:05:47 – Roth IRA Inheritance Value

*Disclosure: This is not financial advice and should not be taken as such. The information contained in this video is an opinion. Some of the information could be wrong. This channel is owned and operated by Portfolio Constructs LLC

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