Life Insurance at Every Age: Conversion Options, Cash Value & Care Costs
In this episode, Matt tackles one of the biggest tax decisions that retirees face: Roth or pre-tax? It’s not just about today’s tax bill. It’s about future flexibility, income planning, and how your choices ripple through the rest of your financial life. Using real-world scenarios and practical strategies, Matt walks through when each approach might make sense, and when it might not.
Roth vs. Pre‑Tax 401(k) in Your 50s & 60s: How to Maximize Retirement Income
In this episode, Matt tackles one of the biggest tax decisions that retirees face: Roth or pre-tax? It’s not just about today’s tax bill. It’s about future flexibility, income planning, and how your choices ripple through the rest of your financial life. Using real-world scenarios and practical strategies, Matt walks through when each approach might make sense, and when it might not.
Smart Investment Moves Heading Into 2026
A new year brings no shortage of market opinions and plenty of noise. Matt shares a grounded perspective on how to think about investing as 2026 takes shape, with an emphasis on preparation over prediction. This episode covers several long-term planning decisions that often get overlooked by pre-retirees and retirees. Tired of reacting to headlines? Tune in for a more thoughtful approach in 2026.
Personal Estate Planning Stories: What Your Heirs Will Actually Face
What if everything you thought you’d set up to protect your family turned out to be a maze of red tape and frustration? In this episode, discover the hidden roadblocks that can derail even the most carefully planned estates, as Matt reveals the eye-opening reality facing heirs in 2025, where paperwork alone isn’t enough, and the real challenges begin after you’re gone.
The Smart 2025 Year-End Money Review
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect chance to step back and make sure your financial plan is aligned, optimized, and ready for the year ahead. Matt highlights key areas worth reviewing before the calendar turns, and what can happen if we don’t. Year-end planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few intentional steps now can create more clarity and confidence moving forward.
The Hidden Power of Tax Diversification
Most people diversify their investments but forget to diversify their taxes. Today, Matt explains why tax diversification is one of the most powerful tools for retirees and how it can dramatically improve the longevity of your money. He shares a real client story that proves smart tax strategy means bigger savings and fewer headaches. Discover why tax diversification could be your most powerful tool for building a resilient retirement plan.
How Much Should I Be Saving?
“How much should I be saving?” It’s one of the most common financial questions, and the answer isn’t always simple.
The right saving strategy depends on your income, debt, lifestyle, and long-term goals. In this episode, Matt shares the framework he uses with clients of all ages to answer this timeless question. No matter your age or stage of life, the real first step is knowing where your money’s going.
What Are You Saving For?
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.
Tax Changes, Roth Moves & Renting in Retirement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.