Smart Money Questions

What Are You Saving For?

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Do you know the real purpose behind your savings? Money isn’t the end goal, it’s the tool that helps you build the life you want. In this episode, Matt asks a deceptively simple but powerful question: What are you really saving for? Instead of focusing only on numbers, taxes, and investments, Matt explores the deeper purpose behind our financial decisions. Are you facing a major life transition? Defining your purpose is just as critical as planning your finances.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
✨ Why your ‘why’ matters more than your balance
🏡 Deciding if a continuing care community is right for you
📊 The Roth mistake most savers don’t realize they’re making
🧭 Finding purpose in retirement beyond the numbers
🎯 Aligning your money with real life goals
 
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Tax Changes, Roth Moves & Renting in Retirement

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What does the newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) really mean for your taxes and your future? In this episode of Smart Money Questions, we will explain the most important tax changes in simple terms. From extended tax brackets to new deductions for seniors and enhancements to charitable giving, we’ll tell you what’s permanent (for now), what phases out, and what it all means for retirement planning.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Current tax brackets extended—no 2026 “sunset” (for now)🧓 New $6K deduction per person over 65📦 SALT deduction cap raised from $10K to $40K💸 Charitable deduction now allowed even if you don’t itemize🏡 Selling the house and renting? Matt breaks down the pros, cons, and planning points
 
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The Big Beautiful Bill: What It Really Means for Your Taxes

What’s all the buzz about the “Big Beautiful Bill?” With many current tax provisions set to expire at the end of the year, there’s a lot of noise, but very little that’s finalized. Matt walks through the latest version of the Senate proposal, what it could mean for taxpayers, and why the only smart move right now is to stay informed and stay patient.
He also highlights a thought-provoking article from The Wall Street Journal that shows how politics are increasingly influencing investment behavior- and not in a good way.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🔍 What’s the latest on the “Big Beautiful Bill”?
🧠 How political bias can affect your portfolio
⏳ The massive difference just missing a few market days can make
🛡️ Why discipline is the investor’s secret weapon
 
Fidelity: Staying Invested
https://drive.google.com/file/d/158uFN5GlF5ieaQRhQF-sSWo2EwSJHRoJ/view?usp=sharing
 
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What Should You Actually Do When the Market Drops?

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something., anything, right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? In this episode, Matt talks about recent market volatility and reminds listeners why reacting emotionally can cost more than staying the course. He shares stories from client conversations during the dip, explains the dangers of market timing, and reveals just how much the media benefits from our panic.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Why bad news spreads faster and hits harder
🧠 The real cost of reacting emotionally to market drops
🏠 Common estate transfer mistakes that hurt your heirs
📊 Why diversification (not timing) still wins
💰 How the media profits from your fear
 
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Smart Strategies for Real Estate and Retirement

Selling your home and relocating in retirement is both an emotional decision and a financial one. Today’s real estate landscape adds in another layer of complexity, especially for retirees. In this episode, Matt shares insights from working with four different clients who are each navigating the complexities of selling, buying, or relocating.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🏡 Real-world advice from clients relocating in retirement
📑 Why contract timing and legal review can prevent big headaches
💰 Reverse vs. traditional mortgages—what works when and why
💡 Planning your move around taxes, income shifts, and cash flow
 
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Madness in March: Market Volatility & Tax Season

As we dive into the heart of March Madness, the excitement of college basketball isn't the only thing making headlines; the financial markets are also experiencing their own form of madness. In this episode of Smart Money Questions, Matt breaks down the latest market volatility, tax season updates, and investment strategies to help you stay informed and confident in your financial future. 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📉 Market Volatility Explained – Why the ups & downs are normal
📊 International Stocks Are Winning – What this means for your portfolio
🔄 Why Rebalancing is Crucial – How to adjust your investments strategically
💰 Tax Credit Opportunities – Home upgrades, EVs & deductions you may be missing
⚠️ Don’t Fall for Media Hype – How to separate financial facts from fear-mongering
 
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Savings Strategies and Tax Refunds

Today we want to cover some timely discussions that we’ve had with clients recently, ranging from savings strategies and debt management to tax refunds and credit card spending. Good saving and spending habits are developed over time, but these seemingly small routines can make a huge difference in retirement.  
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why it might not be a good idea to take money out of an IRA and into a high-interest savings account.
Should you pull money out of savings or investment accounts to pay off debt?
Why you shouldn’t be excited to get a big tax refund.
Should you change your tax withholdings throughout the year?
Using credit cards to pay for as much as you can, especially when traveling.
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Where To Invest In 2025

Everyone wants to get advice or guidance when it comes to investing, and a recent Wall Street Journal article featured ten different experts’ predictions for 2025. It made for an interesting read and provided some interesting discussion for this month’s podcast. Today we’ll take a look at a variety of strategies in play for 2025—from focusing on large-cap growth stocks and diversifying beyond the “magnificent seven” tech giants to some experts advocating a complete shift to bonds.
Beyond investment strategies, we also want to spend a little time sharing practical financial planning tips for the new year, including setting clear financial goals, optimizing retirement contributions like 401(k)s and Roth 401(k)s, and essential considerations when relocating.
We hope you enjoy this look ahead to the new year. If there’s anything you want to focus on and improve, please get in touch and let’s talk about ways we can help.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Be wary of what you see from articles trying to predict the future when it comes to finance.
Should you expect additional volatility this year?
Things to consider when thinking about moving or relocating.
Why snowbirds need to be considering some similar things to folks that are permanently moving.
 
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Setting Financial Planning Goals for 2025

As we close out 2024, we can look back on a good year highlighted by the transition to a new office. Hopefully you’ve also enjoyed a great past twelve months, but now it’s time to shift focus on smart financial planning for the year ahead. In this episode of the Smart Money Questions podcast, Matt shares actionable strategies to refine your budgeting, transition smoothly into retirement, and maximize tax efficiency.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
✅ The importance of understanding your monthly expenses (necessities, lifestyle, and legacy goals).
💰 Planning for retirement income, including Social Security and pensions.
📊 Tax planning tips to optimize pre-tax and post-tax investments.
💳 Managing debt wisely and reviewing credit reports to ensure financial security.
 
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Looking Ahead Post-Election

As we approach Thanksgiving, it's hard to believe that 2024 is nearly behind us. With the end of the year comes a lot to look forward to- family, food, and of course, football. But there’s also another reason to celebrate this holiday season: the election is finally over.
Now that the election results are settled, the big question on everyone's mind is what comes next for the markets, Social Security, Medicare, and taxes. In this episode, we dive into what we can expect in the coming months and how these changes might impact our financial future.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How market performance tends to play out during election years
Why it’s so important to be diversified in your investments
Avoiding fear-driven reactions to market headlines
What’s going to happen with Social Security and Medicare?
Being mindful of what media we’re consuming
The impact of decreasing interest rates
 
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