Smart Money Questions

Early Retirement, NOT In A Lower Tax Bracket, & Defining Your Financial Security

We've got a few listener questions on the docket for today. First up, we'll discuss Abe's question about being forced into an early retirement. Should he get another job? What items should he address before he is no longer receiving a paycheck? We'll also answer Blair's question about tax brackets in retirement. What is the real outlook on future tax rates, and how should we prepare? Finally, we'll take a look at how you can define financial security for yourself.

Adam Quiney On Your Relationship With Money

This week we speak with special guest Adam Quiney, an executive leadership coach, about how your relationship with money can define your experiences as an investor and as a retiree. We'll delve into how that relationship is formed and how it then influences your thoughts and decisions throughout each phase of your life.

SECURE Act & Gifting vs. Inheriting

At the end of May, Congress passed the SECURE Act, which will create some major changes to qualified retirement accounts. We'll look into what those changes will be, as well as possible future implications. And later, Matt shares a story about a client that highlights the importance of understanding the difference between gifting and inheriting.

Roth IRA Follow Up And Inheriting Something I Don't Want

We received quite a few responses from listeners after the last episode, so we'll be following up on last weeks's topic by discussing Roth IRA conversions. We'll also talk about what to do if you inherit a piece of property that you don't want, and we'll learn about Stretch IRAs.

Roth IRA Contribution Limits And Other Questions

This week, we'll delve into some listener questions about retirement accounts. Matt will clear up the difference between the tax characterization of different types of accounts, as well as whether they should be invested differently. He'll also discuss what happens if you overfund a Roth IRA, how your Social Security is taxed, and more.

Estate Planning Essentials: Beneficiary Forms And Legal Documents

When it comes to building a retirement plan, one of the biggest items that people overlook, or even avoid, is designating their beneficiaries. But taking the time to do this is key to ensuring that your assets are handed down in the way you intend, and that your estate does not go through probate. Matt gives us some tips on how to prepare these essential legal documents.

What's The Value Of An Advisor?

Matt recently received an email question from a knowledgeable DIY investor who is considering handing over the reins to a financial advisor, but is skeptical about the value an advisor could provide. So this week, we'll discuss what type of benefits a true holistic financial advisor should bring to both you and your investments.

Julie's Story - A Client's Perspective

The featured guest this week is Matt's current client Julie, who is in the process of planning for retirement and has been working with Matt for several years now. Julie provides some valuable insight into the planning process from a client perspective, and even offers up some great travel tips from her experience in the hospitality industry.

Mailbag: Savings, Roth or Traditional IRA, College Planning

We've received a lot of listener questions following our interview with Harlan Accola. Jane wants to know about the preferred interest rate for a savings/money market account. Hector asks about the differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. Finally, Jim wonders about how to properly save for his kids' college plans. Matt will answer all those smart money questions and more.

Episode #93: Harlan Accola - Behind The Curtain of Reverse Mortgages

If you're like most people, you've probably steered clear of reverse mortgages for one reason or another, but there's quite a bit more to them that isn't generally discussed. Matt brings in Harlan Accola to demystify the subject. Who should consider one, and who should not? What kind of options are available and what are the costs associated? And why do reverse mortgages have such a bad reputation?