Avocado Toast Podcast: Recent Episodes
Avocado Toast Podcast
The Avocado Toast Podcast was created to build a community of like-minded young professionals that collaborate and implement unbiased financial strategies to help them achieve financial independence.
We want to make getting access to fiduciary advice simple and enjoyable. As HENRY’s ourselves we understand the fiscal challenges you may be facing and can share actionable steps to improve your financial well-being.
In this episode Eric and Matt give a broad overview of Life Planning and how it differs from traditional Financial Planning, and why you should consider working with a certified Life Planner.
In this episode Eric and Matt walk through some tips and tricks on reviewing your entire portfolio's asset allocation. Figure out how to determine what your allocation is across all your accounts and how you should think about your asset allocation and mix of investments.
In this solo episode Matt discusses some of the ways you should be preparing for how to account for your Crypto activity for tax season. Learn more today!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss about how to prepare for an IPO for your company. Educate yourself on the process, get advice and avoid common mistakes.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss how to work financial curveballs into your budget
In this episode Eric and Matt reflect on the Avocado Toast Podcast and their financial journey... Tune in today!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the important of continuous tax planning and why "lifetime tax planning" is something you should be thinking about. Listen to learn more!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the recent new on the new Bitcoin ETF... Should you own it? When is it appropriate? What are some pros and cons and risks and concerns? Tune in today!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss one of the hugest tax breaks in the Tax Code, Section 1202 regarding the Exclusion for Qualified Small Business Stock or QSBS as it is known for short. This is a do not miss episode if you are a founder, business owner or early stage employee!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the upcoming sunset or expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026.
In this solo episode Eric discusses some of the basic framework surrounding deferred compensation and some items to consider if you are eligible for a deferred compensation plan.
In this episode Eric discusses a quick recap of the 2023 markets and how you should be thinking about positioning yourself heading into 2024.
In this epsiode Eric and Matt discuss three different cash flow management techniques that you can use to improve your budgeting and cash flow position.
In this solo episode Eric discusses the top 5 questions he receives a a financial planner.
In this solo episode Matt covers one of his favorite tax savings vehicles, the Donor Advised Fund or DAF for short. No amount is too small! Learn more in this episode today.
In this episode Eric covers the Top 5 Tax questions he gets as a CFP and Matt answers. Learn more now!
Sometimes life throws you curveballs! In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the importance of the "Curveball" account.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the various phases of the startup life cycle, the common types of equity compensation at each stage, and ways to manage liquidity events.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the abundance of scams, fraud and ID theft and ways you can combat and help mitigate risk on these types of incidents!
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the most commonly overlooked employee benefits that may be available to you! Tune into this episode to find out more!
In this epsiode Eric and Matt discuss analysis paralysis and how to deal with Financial Anxiety Sometimes you just don't know where to start... so how about here?
Do you like the game of Monopoly? Tune into this episode to learn more about how this can be applied to your own financial situation!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some traditional financial "rules of thumb" and whether you should even care about them! Listen in to learn more today!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some of the high level concepts on how taxes work - what is your marginal rate, how are different types of income taxed, and so on. Learn more in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the criteria you should consider and be thinking about when selecting a service provider as an advisor whether it be financial, accounting, insurance, tax legal or otherwise. Learn more in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt break down some of the differences between Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and traditional Fixed Rate mortgages. Which is the best for you? Learn more in this episode.
Following up on our most populer episode on preparing to buy a house, Eric and Matt discuss what happens AFTER you have bought your home. Tune in to learn more in this episode today!
In this (solo!) episode Matt walks us through the tax treatment of vacation homes and second homes. What to know and how to capitalize on this unique tax strategy. Learn more in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt dive into some of the mechanics about your credit score- how it works, why is it important, how to monitor it and how to improve it. A credit score is a basic part of financial literacy and your own financial plan. Learn more today!
In this episode Eric and Matt get back to the basics of the RETIRE acronym and discuss a sometimes uncomfortable, yet extremely important, topic which is Estate planning! Learn some of the basics and what you need to be thinking about in terms of your own estate plan today!
If you have a highly concentrated stock position as part of your portfolio then this is the episode for you! Eric and Matt dive into financial and tax strategies of diversification in this episode.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss using your vehicle for business and the various financial and tax issues you should be considering about this topic!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss whether Traditional or Roth is the right choice for you. There are pros and cons to each and every situation is unique! Learn more today!
Listen in on this episode for some Financial To Dos to get yourself ready for the year. Eric and Matt share five helpful tips for you in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss how to best prepare and plan for taxes each year. Tune in to learn more tax preparation tips!
What is the difference between Financial Planning and Financial Monitoring? Learn some of the subtle and not so subtle differences between Planning vs. Monitoring of your Financial situation. In this episode Eric provides some helpful tips on what to consider and how to approach monitoring your financial health.
In this episode Eric and Matt provide an easy to understand framework for what order should you considering your savings options in. Do you fund your 401(k) first? Your 529 plan? IRA account? The choices can seem overwhelming without a plan of action. Listen in and start saving efficiently now!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the importance of staying on track with your cash flow plan even when there are times you might lose focus or stray from the path.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the importance of staying on track with your cash flow plan even when there are times you might lose focus or stray from the path.
In this episode Eric and Matt dive into some of the strategies in how to navigate choppy or volatile markets. What to do and more importantly what NOT to do!
In this episode Eric and Matt dive into some of the strategies in how to navigate choppy or volatile markets. What to do and more importantly what NOT to do!
Curious about NFTs? In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basics of this new technology/investment/fad with some basic information about what NFTs (Nonfungible Tokens) are, inherent risks in investing in these, and more!
In this episode Eric and Matt dive into their own experiences of becoming self-employed, discussing many of the pros and cons to that decision.
In this episode Eric flies solo! Based on deep and painful personal experience, Eric discusses how to financially plan for a remodel of your home. Listen in, and learn!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some to do items you can cover as part of a Spring or Summer financial checkup. Listen in for tips!
In this episode Eric and Matt dive into a question that comes up a LOT. When looking for a new vehicle, do you purchase or lease? Listen in to this episode to find out more!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss how to be prepared for tax season working with your accountant and tips and tricks to keep in mind for a smooth tax filing experience.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss the difference between a Tax PREPARER and a Tax ADVISOR - And why having the right type on your team depends on what you are looking to get out of the relationship.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover part II of our "what would a billionaire do?" series. Learn more about how billionaires approach investing, managing their assets, risk management, travel, their legacy and more.
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss WWBD - What would a Billionaire Do? In this multi-part series Eric and Matt discuss how Billionaires approach their financial affairs - and things you can learn from their approach to apply to yourself.
COVID has drastically changed and accelerated the remote work environment, opening up the possibility to work from anywhere. With those changes come state income tax considerations, and planning opportunities. In this episode Eric and Matt dive into some basics of state income taxation related to compensation income, stock options, capital gains and more.
Have you heard of the FIRE movement? FIRE stands for "Financial Independence, Retire Early". In this episode Eric and Matt dive into the FIRE movement and the various types of FIRE.
In this episode discuss the "First Step Cash Management Program", an alternative to our 50/20/30 rule that was discussed in earlier episodes. If you are struggling with budgeting or just looking for different ways to do your cash flow planning, listen to this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt do a quick run down of the recently proposed tax legislation currently being considered by Congress. Learn more about proposed new changes in this episode!
To be financially fit, you must put in the work! In this episode Eric and Matt discuss what you need to know boost your financial fitness. Know your financial fitness ratios, numbers and more!
Death and Taxes... In this episode Eric and Matt give an overview of the current Estate and Gift tax system in the US. Who is taxed, when are you taxed, how are you taxed, and more!
We made it to 50 episodes! Eric and Matt answer a variety of listener questions in this podcast.
Do you want to be a multi billionaire from your Roth IRA like Peter Thiel? We can't help you pick the right investments to make that happen, but we can help you decide whether a self-directed IRA or Roth IRA is right for you!
If you had to do it all over, what would you have done differently? In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some of the financial decisions they would have made differently with the benefit of experience (and hindsight).
Have you considered starting a business or going out on your own? The rewards can be great, as can the challenges! Learn more about going out on your own in this episode with Eric and Matt!
Giving back through philanthropy is an important part of many HENRY's financial plans and goals. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some of the ways about how to think about charitable giving in the context of your financial plan and some important financial and tax considerations when giving.
There has been a big rise in popularity this year about Cryptocurrency and Crypto Assets such as Bitcoin. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss how to approach Crypto investing including understanding risks, how much of you should consider allocating to Crypto if anything, and more!
When investing should you DCA (Dollar Cost Average) into your investments or should you just put in a lump sum? Which strategy is preferable for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of each strategy and what the data says in this episode with Eric and Matt!
On this episode of the Avocado Toast Podcast, Eric and Matt discuss financial issues applicable to DINK couples (Dual Income, No Kids). As always, financial and tax planning are specific to your situation and DINKs are no different! Learn more in this episode!
Everyone has a money story... your own experience learning about money, mistakes made and lessons learned. In this episode Matt discusses his money story and the valuable lessons learned.
Everyone has a money story... your own experience learning about money, mistakes made and lessons learned. In this episode Eric discusses his money story and the valuable lessons learned.
Life is about choices and trade offs. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss tradeoffs as it relates to your financial goals, and some useful exercises to engage in to help flush out some of your ultimate financial goals.
Eric is on spring break, so in this episode Matt covers some of the recent changes for 2020 and 2021 income taxes including some special tax code changes you will absolutely want to be aware of!
Environmental, Social and Governance Investing is a growing trend in today's financial markets, and especially attractive to Millennials and younger generations. In this episode Eric and Matt explore the history of ESG Investing, define what it is, and analyze some of the performance of these investments compared with traditional asset classes.
In this episode of the Avocado Toast Podcast, Eric and Matt discuss the history of 529 plans, the basics of how they work, tips on how to choose the right 529 plan for you and other best practices for education planning.
In this episode Matt and Eric delve a little deeper into "budgeting for baby" with our focus on childcare costs and how to factor these into your financial plans. What to expect at each stage, what to plan for, tax efficient tips and more!
If you are fortunate enough to receive a financial windfall, whether it be from a fortunate investment, inheritance, gift or otherwise, what do you do next? Avoid squandering your money and take prudent steps to continue on your path to financial freedom. Learn more in this episode!
Learn all about Restricted stock grants and units including common terminology, tax treatment and tax planning and strategies for maximizing your payout from this form of employer compensation.
An IRS audit is one of the biggest fears of taxpayers. In this episode Eric and Matt cover what constitutes an audit, some common IRS audit red flags, how taxpayers are selected for audit, what your chances of being audited are and how to mitigate potential audit risk!
One of the first steps towards purchasing a home is often to get pre-approved for a mortgage. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss what to expect in the pre-approval process, how to get prepared, the different types of mortgages and best practices.
How do I avoid paying penalties to the IRS? What are the required payment amounts I need to make, and by when? Learn the rules for withholding and estimated tax penalties, when you may be penalized and when you do not need to worry about making payments, and how to hang onto your hard earned money longer in this episode of the Avocado Toast Podcast!
Are you expecting or planning on having children in the near future? Listen to this episode for helpful budgeting tips - actionable items you can work on NOW before you plan on welcome your little one, what to think about once baby is here, and how to plan for their future. Must listen for any new or expecting parent!
The age old question (sort of) - Do you put your money into a traditional or Roth IRA/401(k)? Which one is better? What is the difference? Discover the power of each - and some insights into which may be best for you - in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the pros and cons of investing in real estate, specifically rental property, as an alternate income stream. Learn the basics about what to know and what to consider in this episode!
In this episode Eric and Matt discuss some of the basic concepts of life insurance, the different types available to you, what you should be considering as a HENRY, and more!
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Avocado Toast Financial Planning Club!
Should you or should you not DIY your investing? In this episode Eric and Matt cover:
- The emotional cycle of investing
- Psychological biases
- Investing discipline
- When to seek professional help
In a prior episode Eric and Matt discussed tips for making finances work in a marriage. Unfortunately, not all marriages work out. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss tips for planning for or going through a divorce. In this episode learn how to:
- Budget for divorce
- Review your debts and credit
- Update estate planning documents
- Hire a team to guide you through the process
Let's face it - No one* ever became rich skipping out on that daily latte, buying generic instead of brand name, skipping the Avocado Toast for breakfast, or any one of the myriad of financial advice "tips" you may encounter on the Internet.
On the Avocado Toast Podcast - We try to capture the big ticket items that can make a meaningful impact to your financial health and well being in our RETIRE podcast series. But the #1 tool you have to increase your long-term wealth for most HENRYs is your EARNING POWER. In this episode Eric and Matt focus on helpful tips for increasing the top line - how to drive your current of future earning power higher to help you achieve your financial goals.
*Ok, maybe there are a few disciplined misers out there
In this episode Eric and Matt talk stock picking, the markets and how stocks trade, market timing, "play accounts" and much more!
The 401(k) plan is one of the most common employee benefits offered by small, medium, and large employers alike. In this episode Eric and Matt discover some of the fundamentals of 401(k) plans including:
- What is a 401(k) plan ?
- Why companies offer it
- What are the advantages of a 401(k) plan?
- What are the downsides of a 401(k) plan?
and much more!
Presidential elections receive enormous amounts of media attention, and associated economic and stock market analysis. In this episode Eric and Matt discuss:
- A look at past elections + investment behavior
- Does it matter for the stock market if a republican or democrat wins?
- What factors impact stock prices?
- Comparing the long term growth of $1 invested in the market with both republican and democratic presidents
- Why diversification remains important
Whether you are a recent newlywed, planning on getting married soon, or have been married for a long time but feel your relationship with your spouse when it comes to money can be improved, this episode is for you! Learn healthy money habits and tips from Eric and Matt that you can implement in your relationship. There is no time like the present!
In this second episode on Employee Benefits and Open Enrollment, Eric and Matt dive deeper on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Dependent Care FSAs, and Mega Backdoor Roth IRAs.
Give this episode a listen and understand what is offered to you so you can maximize these tremendous benefits and save big!
Open enrollment season is here! In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basics you should understand about common employee benefits that your employer may offer, including:
- Health insurance and some of the common terminology should understand
- VSP/Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short and Long-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- HSA/FSA Accounts
We did the top 10 questions you should be asking a prospective financial planner or investment advisor before making a hiring decision... now it's time to do the same for a prospective CPA or EA!
As always, we strongly recommend you start putting together your financial dream team - You need a sounding board and professionals that are looking out for your best interest. If you feel you are at the stage where you ready to make that investment, give this podcast a listen!
Tax rules are complicated - even more so when it comes to the deductibility of mortgage interest. Learn more about the ins and outs of mortgage interest tax rules with Matt and Eric in this episode, including some neat tricks and "loopholes" to take advantage of!
Learn the answers to these questions:
- How much interest can I deduct each year?
- Is mortgage interest the only kind of interest I can deduct?
- How much of a tax benefit will I receive?
- What happens when I refinance?
- Are there any workarounds to these rules?
In this episode Eric and Matt cover Incentive Stock Options basics, dos and don'ts, and some key considerations you should keep in mind if your employer has granted you stock options. If you receive equity compensation in Incentive Stock Options, this is a must listen podcast!
Learn about:
- Stock Option terminology including grant, vest, exercise and sale
- How Stock Options work
- Taxation of Incentive Stock Options
- Horror stories! Six and Seven figure tax mistakes to avoid!
This easy to implement strategy can save you millions in taxes over your lifetime. The Backdoor Roth IRA is one of the most accessible tax strategies available to HENRYs yet so often under utilized. Learn about the power of the Backdoor Roth IRA, and the nuanced rules surrounding it, in this episode!
Are you preparing to purchase your first home, or going through the process once again? Listen to this episode to learn tips on preparing yourself for the home buying process:
- Checking your credit report
- Finding a mortgage consultant
- Hiring a real estate agent
- The mortgage pre-approval process
Gain some insights into some high level tax strategies and basic tax planning principles in this episode with Eric and Matt. We cover:
- Earning power and income levels during your lifetime
- Income streams and differing characters of taxable income
- Tax rate arbitrage concepts
- Opportunistic and proactive planning
Ready to hire a financial advisor as part of your team? A financial advisor is an integral part of your personal family office - finding one that you trust is imperative. In this episode Eric and Matt review 10 questions you should be asking a financial advisor when you interview them to ensure your interest are aligned and you've found the right team member for the job.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover more practical tips on how to do a fall financial checkup.
Part 2 of our fall financial checkup includes to do items such as:
-
- Importance of the Emergency Fund
- Filling your opportunity pipeline
- Dollar Cost Averaging Investments
- Starting a 529 plan
- Hiring a team
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some practical tips on how to do a fall financial checkup.
Learn more about fall financial checkup to do items such as:
-
- Credit Score Review
- Make Budget Tweaks
- Manage Debt
- Review your Tax Withholdings
- Investment Asset Allocation
- Beneficiary Designations
Estate Planning is the sixth and final step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Estate Planning including what having an estate plan means, the basic types of estate planning documents, and more.
Learn more about estate planning concepts such as:
- What happens if you DONT have an estate plan in place
- The basic estate planning documents
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
Retirement Planning is the fifth step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Retirement Planning including finding your financial independence number, types of retirement accounts, and more.
Learn more about retirement planning concepts such as:
- Your financial independence number
- The different types of retirement accounts and their tax treatment
- Some standard rules of thumb on retirement savings
Investments is the fourth step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Investments including the various types of investment vehicles, active versus passive investing, and more.
Learn more about investment concepts such as:
- Investment vehicle basics - stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, etc.
- Active versus Passive investing strategies
Tax Planning is the third step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Tax Planning including understanding withholding and some basic principles of tax planning.
Learn more about tax planning concepts such as:
- Marginal vs Effective tax rates
- Withholding
- Pre-tax retirement account options like 401(k)s and IRAs
- Capital gains versus ordinary income
- Itemizing Deductions, and much more!
Expense Management is the second step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Expense Management by implementing proper budgeting guidelines and optimizing every dollar to work for you.
Learn about Expense Management techniques such as:
- Knowing your numbers
- Useful apps and tools
- The 50-20-30 budgeting rule
- Debt management techniques
Risk Management is the first step in the six part financial planning acronym R.E.T.I.R.E. that forms the foundation of developing a solid financial plan and pathway to financial independence.
In this episode Eric and Matt cover some of the basic tenets of Risk Management and developing a plan to protect yourself and your family against premature death, major disability, and emergencies.
Topics covered include
- Leveraging your employer benefits such as health, dental, and short and long-term disability insurance.
- Understanding how much life insurance you need and which types of policies are best (or not) for your situation
- Establishing an emergency fund
Get to know more about Eric and Matt and what the Avocado Toast Podcast is all about in this brief introductory episode.