Are you super busy with your career, kids, and life? Discover ways to get organized and enjoy a wonderful life! We cover smart strategies for personal finance, investing, and how to enjoy your time and money. Breakthrough the complicated financial landscape with easy-to-understand information that you can actually follow. I discuss how to become wealthy: tips and habits to change in your life to achieve financial freedom. I dive into topics such as savings, investing, education planning, ins ...
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In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton go back-to-basics with a focus on Roth Conversions—a financial strategy that could potentially save you millions of dollars in retirement. Whether you've amassed significant savings in tax-deferred accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s or you're just starting to think about how to optimize your ret…
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Are you tired of being told to just "go with the flow"? Well, not today. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into why focusing on your net worth is more important than worrying about your cash flow. Have you ever scrambled to cover monthly expenses, or dipped into your investments for an unexpected charge, and felt the stress afterward? You'r…
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In this week's episode, I’m joined by financial coach Adam Koren, an expert in helping people overcome their money anxieties, to discuss the elephant in the room: your finances. No one likes to talk money, but it is monumentally important to pay attention to your finances, regardless of your income level. Stop feeling like you “should” know how and…
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Never Pay Taxes: Circumvent Uncle Sam with an HSA
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In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison discuss the incredible benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which offer a unique way to save money without losing any to taxes. Learn how HSAs provide a "triple whammy" of tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax…
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Dreaming of establishing your own dynasty? While you may not control a nation, you can create a long-lasting educational legacy with a 529 plan! Join Matt Robison and me, Mike Morton, on this week’s podcast as we delve into funding education for your children, grandchildren, and even beyond. We'll explore how 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accou…
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10 Financial Hot Topics for 2024: Boring and Painful
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In this week's podcast episode, "10 Financial Hot Topics for 2024: Boring and Painful," join me and Matt Robison as we delve into Allan Roth's latest financial insights for 2024. We cover critical topics my clients often ask about, from understanding the difference between real and nominal returns,and managing cash to avoid inflation's eroding effe…
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For decades, concerns have circulated that the U.S. The Social Security system would run out of money. While headlines continue to warn of imminent depletion, the political implications, especially during election years, fuel much of this fear. Join Matt Robison and Mike Morton this week as they discuss the efforts currently underway to ensure the …
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Join us this week as Matt Robison and I discuss the strategies for minimizing capital gains taxes in today’s profitable housing market. We'll share a real-life client story that highlights how a couple saved thousands in tax liability by leveraging home improvement receipts and the primary residence exclusion. Discover how meticulous record-keeping…
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To-Do or Not To-Do? Take a Calendar Approach
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To-do or not to-do? Take a calendar approach Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Constantly moving unfinished tasks to the next day? In this episode, Matt Robison and I explore a game-changing productivity hack: scheduling tasks directly on your calendar. Forget the overwhelming to-do list that grows endlessly. Instead, allocate specific tim…
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Join Matt Robison and me as we delve into the intricate world of inherited IRAs. In the first quarter of 2023, Americans held over $12 trillion in IRAs, and if you've inherited some of that wealth, there's a lot you need to know. We'll clarify who qualifies as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB), the impact of the Secure Act 1.0's 10-year rule…
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In this week’s podcast, Matt Robison and I delve into the world of "home hacking," a trend that's gaining traction in the realm of real estate. But forget about the usual DIY tricks to boost your home's value – we're talking about doubling your net worth through unconventional living arrangements. Imagine living with your mom as the key to unlockin…
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Don’t Fall for Flashy Headlines: Shiller PE Ratio
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In this week's episode, Matt Robison and I delve into the essential lesson from renowned economist Robert Shiller: don't get swept away by stock market hype. Join us as we explore the implications of the Shiller PE ratio, currently standing at a lofty "34," we unpack Shiller's groundbreaking research and its practical applications for investors. Wi…
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Don’t be Daft, use a DAF: Donor Advised Fund
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In this week's podcast, Matt Robison and I, Mike Morton, delve into the world of charitable giving and the benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) into your philanthropic strategy. A DAF functions like a personal account where you can deposit various assets, such as cash, stocks, or cryptocurrencies, which then become charitable donations. We …
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In today's episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison introduce a revolutionary solution to alleviate financial anxiety: the Joker Fund. Inspired by the infamous line from The Dark Knight, "Nobody panics when things go according to plan," they emphasize the importance of planning ahead to tackle irregular expenses that often leave individuals feeling fi…
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IRA Beneficiaries: It’s all about the Benjamins
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In this week’s episode, hosts Mike Morton and Matt Robison discuss IRA Beneficiaries. They delve into the critical decision of choosing a beneficiary for your Individual Retirement Account(s) (IRA) and its financial ramifications. Through a real-life example, you will see how one of Mike’s clients' strategic maneuver saved her family $150k in taxes…
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Don’t Panic: Overcoming Financial Avoidance
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In this week’s episode, Mike Morton is joined by financial coach Adam Koren to discuss strategies for overcoming the stress and shame often associated with managing personal finances. They delve into the emotional aspects of money management, emphasizing the importance of recognizing societal barriers to financial literacy and fostering open dialog…
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Join Matt Robison and I this week as we discuss the various ‘buckets’ your finances are in and if you have the right ratios for your needs. Inspired by a real client’s story, we talk about portfolio holdings such as real estate, brokerage and retirement. Having too much money “locked up” in assets such as your house and your 401k could make it diff…
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In this week's episode, Matt Robison and I, Mike Morton, delve into the concept of asset location. No, we aren’t revealing CIA operatives' whereabouts but rather discussing the strategic placement of investments, which can significantly impact returns, potentially yielding a $74k difference. Asset location refers to where investments are held, such…
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This week I am joined by special guest Anne Lester to discuss the importance of educating young individuals about finances. In particular, we discuss Anne’s latest book titled Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want and its focus on individual financial responsibility. We also talk about the shift towards personal financial…
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Risk: It bears Repeating Anything worth saying is worth repeating. - Humble the Poet We’ve talked about risk many times in the past. In particular, how you view risk. The reason the conversation bears repeating, other than the fact that I field this topic on the regular, is because it is tied to a strong emotion: anxiety. Not taking a risk is the b…
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Have you heard the news? There are now Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)! I can hear your head scratching from here but don’t worry. Matt and I are here to break down these new trade floor offerings on this week’s episode and give you the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to investing in this new product. What is a …
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Financial Portfolio Yearly Review Checklist
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It’s January. The W-2’s and 1099’s are beginning to roll in. Your tax accountant is chomping at the bit to get your documents so they can begin preparing your returns. Why not take this opportunity to review your financial well-being? Join Matt Robison and me this week as we present a handy checklist of things you should examine every year to reach…
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How to use your After-Tax 401k Contributions
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Legit Money Laundering: After-Tax 401k Contributions Are we really talking about money laundering in a financial advice podcast? Yes, but it is completely legit and could give you an extra $25k/year! This week Matt and I explored a unique and powerful strategy for maximizing savings and potential earnings: After-Tax 401k contributions. The short st…
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Year End Review: What you did well and what to improve?
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It’s that time of year when we all swear we are going to get to the gym more often, eat healthier, limit our time on social media, and make a better effort to stay in touch with family and friends. Looking ahead feels good, but how many times have you set those goals only to have abandoned them by January 31st? In this year-end review episode, Matt…
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IRAs: They can make you want to rollover Host Matt Robison asks me this week about his rollover IRA. In an enlightening episode for us both, you will learn the ins and outs of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) including the different types, rollovers, and the strategic moves you can make to optimize the tax benefits of these accounts. While I’d…
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If you’ve been a listener to this podcast for some time, you are likely well aware of the things to look for when hiring a financial planner. However, your friends may not be. If the topic of finances comes up, do the right thing: educate your friends and family on how to find a good advisor. What happens when you don't help your friends and family…
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10 Year-End Financial Moves As the year draws to a close, it's crucial to take a closer look at your finances and ensure you're getting the most out of 2023. In this podcast episode, we've compiled a checklist of 10 financial considerations that can make a significant impact on your overall financial well-being. Listen to Matt and I discuss the fol…
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Not your Father’s Personality Test This week, Matt and I are joined by Registered Life Planner and former guest Andrea Miller, to delve into the fascinating world of Sparketypes. You’ve probably heard of the Myers-Briggs personality test developed in the 1920’s or the DISC assessment that followed two decades later, but the Sparketype tool is the f…
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The 60/40 401k Portfolio is Dead! 😯 Are you one of the many who set up a 60/40 stock-bond split in your retirement portfolio, thinking it was the golden ticket to a worry-free retirement? Well, think again. Recent market events have signaled a paradigm shift, leaving the classic 60/40 401k portfolio gasping for breath. The Rise and Fall of the Clas…
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Cut the Cord on Cable and Streaming Services In the fast-paced world of entertainment, where streaming services have become the norm, the decision to cut the cord and bid farewell to traditional cable TV has become a common topic of discussion. But what about all those streaming services? The three-month free trial ends and suddenly you are paying …
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Ongoing Pain in the Costs You’ve done the math, compared the options, and finally settled into your dream home. Or perhaps you’ve acquired that sleek, new car you always wanted. You know the one-time fee, but do you truly understand the ongoing cost? It's easy to overlook the continuous financial and time investments required for the maintenance of…
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“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” - Anonymous You’re organized, right? You made an estate plan…set-up guardians for your kids, named beneficiaries in your will. Everything will go as smooth as butter should you meet your ultimate demise, yes? Maybe, but maybe not. The best way to ensure everything goes according to your plans …
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Three Account Types and Why You Need to Know About Them
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What if I told you that you could be paying thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes every year on your savings? You might think I have some savvy financial trick up my sleeve to save you from Uncle Sam, but the opposite is actually true. In this episode, it's all about the basics. Basic account types, that is: The Three Musketeers: Taxable, Tax D…
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Traditional 401k vs. Roth 401k – Which is truly better?
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Traditional vs. Roth 401k - Which is truly better? This week Matt Robison and I put the Traditional 401k and the Roth 401k in a head-to-head battle of the retirement accounts. If you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you are well aware of what a 401k account is a tax-advantaged way to help fund your retirement. Just in case you need a ref…
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529 Masterclass: Three strategies to maximize the benefits of education savings plans
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Three Advanced Strategies for the 529 Education Account Want to supercharge your savings? Look no further than 529 Education Savings Plans! If you're intrigued by the idea of making the most of your 529 accounts, I have just the podcast for you. This week Matt Robison and I discuss three advanced strategies that can help you get the most out of the…
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When it comes to saving for education, 529 accounts have long been a go-to option for many families. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to set aside funds for educational expenses, and any earnings within the account grow tax-free. While they have been traditionally associated with saving for college, Congress has recently expanded the horizon…
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In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves living life on autopilot, following a checklist of societal expectations without truly examining what brings us fulfillment and joy. The recent trend of prioritizing external achievements over internal well-being is leaving many feeling drained and disconnected from their true desires. In this …
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Have some extra cash? Wondering if you should put it toward your mortgage? Join Matt Robison and I this week as we delve into the answer to this FAQ. It’s not as simple as you might think. Why? Because why you shouldn’t is equally as compelling as why you should work to pay down that debt. By the Numbers Let’s start with the basics. From a strictly…
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Ah, estate planning. Such a fun exercise. No one wants to think about the end, but we will all smile, so we might as well plan for it. In this week's podcast, join Matt Robison and I as we explore the importance of planning for your golden years, the ones filled with activity, those that slow down, and even the ones where you may need extra care. S…
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This week, Matt Robison and I discuss the concept of being aggressive in your investment strategy, especially when you have time on your side. Over a 40-year period, historical data shows that investing $10,000 in the U.S. stock market could grow to an impressive $650,000, assuming an average annual return of 11%. Even in the worst-case scenario ov…
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Inflation has a way of eroding the purchasing power of our money over time, making it essential to plan smartly to ensure financial security. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into the intricacies of managing finances in the face of rising inflation. Most notably, we talk about the importance of aligning investment strategies with specific …
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In this week’s episode, Matt Robison and I dive into an often-overlooked aspect of job selection: logistics. While most people prioritize salary and job responsibilities, we emphasize the significance of considering the logistical details that contribute to job satisfaction and work-life balance. What are Job Logistics? The term "logistics" here en…
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Read the Ingredients – Even on your investment funds
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Ever wonder what’s in your index fund? Similar to reading labels in a grocery store, you are likely to find things that you either don’t recognize (erythorbic acid in your frozen blueberries??) or are surprised to find (cane sugar in jarred pasta sauce??). It would serve you well to delve deeper into the components of your investment vehicles, part…
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Join Matt Robison and I this week as we explore the idea that our individual lives may not hold significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. Don’t get disheartened, embracing the notion that your life doesn’t matter can actually be a fulfilling and liberating approach to life. By acknowledging that our actions have minimal impact on the unive…
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Rich vs. Wealthy: Do you know the difference?In today's world, the terms "rich" and "wealthy" are often used interchangeably. However, it's important to understand that there is a significant difference between the two. While being rich may imply a high salary, luxurious lifestyle, and expensive possessions, being wealthy goes beyond material abund…
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the complexities of estate planning and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing a trustee. Whether you're considering a friend, family member, or professional as your trustee, learn how to navigate the process and ensure the smooth administration of your assets. …
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Managing your finances can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to making sound investment decisions and navigating the complexities of taxes. In this podcast, Matt Robison and I tackle some common financial misunderstandings and provide insights into how you can avoid them. 1) Accounts and Investments are not one in the same You might h…
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1) How can you beat the stock market? Low-cost index funds can help you beat the stock market by providing diversification and low fees. Index funds are designed to replicate the performance of a particular index, such as the S&P 500, by investing in all the stocks in that index. This means you get exposure to the market as a whole, which can help …
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I’ve talked about Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) in the past but it was time for Matt Robison and I to revisit one of my favorite retirement accounts. You read that correctly, HSA’s are great vehicles for retirement savings. Here’s the four W’s: What: What is a Health Savings account? It is an employee benefit intended to offset health care costs …
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You don’t need a ninja suit and a broom to sneak through this clean back door and “steal” an extra $10k. Many of my clients see the income limit for contributing to a Roth IRA ($150k/year single; $228k/year married) and give up on this wholly beneficial retirement account. This year, the contribution limit is $6,500 for an individual. Since a Roth …
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