Dollars & Common Sense: Recent Episodes
Wealthway Financial Advisors
A listener-driven radio show aired on WNIS AM790. Objective, unbiased financial advice on all personal financial planning matters delivered by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™.
Why do some retirees enjoy retirement with confidence while others constantly worry about money, even when they have similar savings? In this episode, we explore the financial habits that help turn retirement from a source of stress into a source of freedom. We'll discuss how creating a reliable retirement paycheck, understanding what you can comfortably spend, staying disciplined during market volatility, and regularly updating your financial plan can provide lasting peace of mind. Retirement confidence isn't about predicting the future or having the biggest portfolio. It's about building a plan that allows you to enjoy the life you've worked so hard to create.
Many people think they have a financial plan because they have a 401(k), IRA, brokerage account, or pension, but having accounts is not the same as having a coordinated strategy. In this episode, we explore what comprehensive financial planning really means and why the way your investments, taxes, cash flow, insurance, and estate plan work together matters far more than any single financial decision. You'll learn why goals should drive your plan, why cash flow is the foundation of long term success, and why investment returns alone won't determine your financial future. Whether you're preparing for retirement or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation will help you identify the difference between having scattered pieces and having a clear, intentional plan that supports the life you want.
In this episode, we discuss how delaying important decisions about saving, investing, taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and retirement can quietly reduce your future options and increase the cost of reaching your goals. You'll learn why taking small, intentional steps today is often far more valuable than waiting for the perfect time to act. We also explore common situations where procrastination leads to missed opportunities and share practical ways to stay ahead of life's biggest financial decisions. If you've been putting off an important financial task, this conversation may be the motivation you need to get started.
Most people assume investment returns are the biggest factor in building wealth, but the reality is often much different. In this episode, we explore the financial decisions that can have an even greater impact on long-term success, including saving habits, spending choices, tax planning, risk management, and retirement income strategies. You'll learn why strong financial outcomes are usually driven by consistent, repeatable decisions rather than finding the perfect investment. We also discuss how emotions and behavior can quietly undermine even the best portfolios, and what you can do to stay focused on what you can control. If you've ever wondered whether financial planning is about more than just investment performance, this conversation will help put returns in their proper perspective.
Most people assume estate planning is something only wealthy families need, but the reality is that every household can face serious complications if proper documents are not in place. In this episode, we explore what can happen when someone passes away or becomes incapacitated without an estate plan, including court involvement, family conflict, delays accessing accounts, and uncertainty around medical and financial decisions. We break down the core documents that form a solid estate plan, explain common misconceptions, and share real life examples that highlight why planning matters. More importantly, we discuss how thoughtful estate planning is not just about money, but about protecting relationships, reducing stress, and creating clarity for the people you care about most. This conversation is designed to help listeners understand that estate planning is ultimately an act of responsibility, care, and preparation for life’s unexpected moments.
This week’s show explores how charitable giving fits into a thoughtful financial plan and why generosity is about far more than tax deductions alone. We’ll discuss how families can align their giving with their values, teach generosity across generations, and create a greater long-term impact with more intentional planning. From donor advised funds and appreciated stock gifts to legacy conversations and qualified charitable distributions, we’ll break down practical strategies that can help make giving both meaningful and efficient. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how generosity and financial security do not have to compete with each other when giving is approached with purpose and structure. Whether you give regularly or are just beginning to think more intentionally about philanthropy, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation on using money to reflect what matters most.
Many retirees spend decades doing everything right financially, only to find themselves holding back far more than they need to once retirement begins. This episode explores the often-overlooked risk of underspending and why fear, not math, is usually the driving force behind it. We break down how this cautious mindset can quietly limit experiences, increase stress, and lead to regret later in life. You will hear why traditional planning often falls short in giving people real confidence to spend. Most importantly, we share how a thoughtful, coordinated plan can help turn savings into a reliable paycheck and give you permission to truly enjoy retirement. Because the goal is not just to avoid running out of money, but to fully live the life you worked so hard to build.
This episode breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in personal finance: the idea that taxes are solved in April. We explore the critical difference between tax filing and tax planning, and why most of the decisions that impact your taxes are made long before you ever sit down to file. You’ll learn how everyday financial choices like saving, investing, and timing income can shape your long-term tax picture. We also discuss why so many people miss planning opportunities and how that leads to unnecessary stress each year. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how proactive tax planning can lead to better outcomes and fewer surprises.
Most people think tax season is when their taxes are decided, but in reality, the outcome is shaped by financial decisions made throughout the entire year. This show breaks down how choices around retirement savings, investment activity, income timing, and charitable giving all play a role in what you ultimately owe. Instead of reacting in April, we explore how proactive planning can lead to more predictable and efficient tax outcomes. You will learn how small decisions made consistently can add up to meaningful tax savings over time. The goal is not to avoid taxes entirely, but to make smarter, more informed choices that align with your long term financial plan.
Common Sense, we explore the financial advice people most often say they wish they had followed ten years earlier. Looking back, many individuals realize that a few key decisions—such as saving earlier, staying invested during market volatility, and avoiding lifestyle creep—can have a major impact on long term financial confidence. We discuss why time and consistency are some of the most powerful forces in building wealth and how small habits compound into meaningful results over decades. The show also highlights the value of financial guidance and how planning conversations can help people stay focused on long term goals. Most importantly, this episode reframes financial hindsight not as regret, but as a learning tool that can help listeners make better decisions moving forward.
This episode focuses on one of the most challenging transitions in retirement: moving from steady paychecks to generating income from savings. It explores why the loss of a predictable paycheck creates stress even for retirees with substantial assets, and how that stress is often rooted in uncertainty rather than investment performance alone. The conversation breaks down key risks such as sequence of returns, emotional reactions to market volatility, and the mindset shift required to move from saving to spending. Listeners are guided through building reliable income layers using Social Security, pensions, and sustainable portfolio withdrawals to create structure and predictability. The show also emphasizes flexibility as a built in safety valve, highlighting how thoughtful income planning can reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and replace paychecks without replacing peace of mind.
In this episode, we define the Retirement Red Zone—the five years before and after retirement—when financial decisions become larger, more permanent, and far less forgiving. We walk through the five critical choices that can make or break retirement: when to claim Social Security, how to turn savings into reliable income, managing taxes and RMDs, preparing for healthcare and longevity risk, and ensuring control and continuity if life interrupts the plan. The central message is clear: retirement success is driven less by chasing performance and more by coordination across income, taxes, healthcare, and family decisions. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—this episode offers a structured framework to avoid costly missteps and replace uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
P 500 by about 3.3% per year, and even over 20 years they lagged by roughly 1.1% per year. We break down the 10 most common mistakes—from panic-selling and market timing to performance chasing, poor diversification, and treating investing like entertainment. Then we lay out an “advisor-like” improvement plan you can implement immediately: a one-page investing rulebook, automation, and a simple rebalancing system designed to keep emotions from hijacking results. We wrap with practical guidance for listeners who decide they want professional help, including what to look for in a fiduciary CFP® at a Registered Investment Advisor.
Kick off the new year with a simple game plan that can make the rest of 2026 feel calmer, clearer, and more in control. In this episode, we break down practical “do-it-this-week” moves—tightening up cash flow, building an emergency cushion, and setting your retirement savings on autopilot—without the jargon or technicalities. We’ll also share a quick 2025 market performance recap (including small-cap, international, and emerging markets) and highlight key 2026 updates like retirement contribution limits and important tax changes to know. If you’ve been waiting for a fresh start, this is it: small steps now can create big momentum all year long.
Get your money ready for the new year with this special year-end checklist episode. We’ll walk through the key moves to think about before December 31—like tidying up your investments, checking on taxes, and making smart retirement contributions. You’ll also hear ideas for reviewing benefits, insurance, and your “big picture” plan so you start 2026 on solid footing. And since it’s the holidays, we’ll talk about thoughtful gifting and simple family money conversations that can bring everyone onto the same page.
As the year wraps up, Kevin walks through a checklist of smart money moves to consider before December 31st. He talks about checking your investment gains and losses, making any required IRA withdrawals, and deciding whether to add more to your retirement accounts before the deadline. The show also highlights chances to use HSAs and flexible spending accounts, and to double-check 529 college savings and other big upcoming expenses. Kevin touches on insurance and healthcare items that reset in the new year, so you don’t leave benefits on the table.
This episode explores how to give meaningfully and strategically—whether to loved ones or charitable causes. It breaks down the full spectrum of gifting options, from cash and collectibles to donor-advised funds and charitable trusts, while explaining the powerful tax benefits of thoughtful giving. Listeners will learn how to maximize their impact, avoid common pitfalls, and align their generosity with their personal values. It’s a practical, feel-good guide to making every dollar you give this season count—for both you and the people or causes you care about most.
This episode explores how to enjoy your money guilt-free while still achieving long-term financial freedom. It covers why people often overspend or underplan for travel and hobbies, and how to shift toward intentional, values-based spending that maximizes joy. Listeners will learn practical ways to allocate funds, use dedicated accounts, and balance flexibility with discipline. Real-life examples show how thoughtful planning turns money into a tool for meaningful experiences—without sacrificing security or peace of mind.
This episode explores why even high earners often struggle to build wealth as their income rises. It explains how lifestyle upgrades—bigger homes, newer cars, and pricier vacations—quietly erode savings and financial security. Through relatable examples and data, the discussion uncovers the psychology behind lifestyle creep and its long-term costs. Listeners will learn how to spot warning signs in their own finances and adopt simple, practical strategies to stay grounded, save more, and achieve lasting financial freedom.
Reverse mortgages have come a long way since their inception in the 1960's. Today, they represent a flexible financial planning tool to help manage cashflow and get liquidity from an otherwise illiquid asset.
It seems anyone with a smart phone and a TikTok account can dispense financial advice these days. Unfortunately, a lot of what you hear online is wrong. In this episode, we expose common types of financial misinformation, why it's harmful, and how you can spot dubious claims.
A continuation of the July 22nd show relating to the proper use of insurance in financial planning. We discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having solid coverage.
Insurance premiums are one of the largest household expenses after taxes. In this episode, we discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having rock-solid coverage.
This episode explores the softer side of retirement planning that many people don't fully consider. Transitioning from daily work to retirement can bring changes to one's identity and purpose, social connections, mental and emotional health, lifestyle and routine, and spousal relationship dynamics. We discuss many of the benefits -- and pitfalls -- we've learned through professional experience.
An estate plan is not something you do for yourself. It's something you do for your loved ones. But a well-crafted estate plan is an important component of a comprehensive financial plan.This is an easy to understand discussion of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that make up the estate plan, as well as the purpose and role of the executor, grantor, trustee, and beneficiary.
Financial scams through the ages. How they have evolved, ways you can protect yourself, and where to report fraud when they occur.
A discussion of the deep psychological feelings and emotions that money evokes. This includes strategies and applications to help overcome negative biases and take advantage of the positive vibes.
Financial conflict is often sited as one of the main reasons for divorce in the United States. In this show, we tackle the highly sensitive topic of combining finances during marriage. We discuss the best way to set up bank accounts, how to develop a shared budget, how to treat income/debt disparities, how to plan long-term goals together, and more.
What is behind one of the fastest and sharpest drops of the US stock market, putting the decline in historical context, and investment actions you should take now.
Most people who work with a financial advisor don't have a comprehensive list of specific financial goals. That's ok. A good financial advisor will help draw those goals out of you and incorporate them into the planning process. Here, we discuss many of those common financial goals to help stimulate your thoughts and give you some ideas you can use.
A variety of listener calls start us off then we roll into ways you can enhance marital satisfaction by creating healthy financial habits.
We've all got 'em. From accumulating too much credit card debt, to making large impulse buys, to overspending on a home, or failing to save early enough, financial regret comes in many forms. In this show, we talk about the most common regrets and what you can do to avoid them.
A high-level overview of the Social Security program. In this show, we discuss why the program was created, how it's funded, what types of benefits are available, and the future viability of the program.
Episode #2 -- Key financial planning ages, asset & debt considerations, and tax planning items to be aware of as we enter the new year. General steps and guidance to set you up for financial success throughout the year.
Episode #1 -- Personal & life items, cash flow issues, and asset & debt consideration to be aware of as we enter the new year. General steps and guidance to set you up for financial success throughout the year.
Issues to consider and moves you can make before year end regarding investments, tax planning, and cash flow to enhance your financial situation.
Show callers help shape the agenda as we discuss ways to maximize giving opportunities during the holiday season.
A deep dive into the benefits of Roth IRAs and the potential massive tax savings that can result from Roth IRA conversions.
How to use credit and debt effectively to enhance your finances. We explain different types of credit, do a deep dive on credit reports and credit scores, discuss how to use credit to your advantage, and ways to stay out of bad debt.
The second segment of a two-part show. Determining retirement income needs, identifying sources of income, and then creating a retirement income plan for maximum impact.
The first segment of a two-part show. Determining retirement income needs, identifying sources of income, and then creating a retirement income plan for maximum impact.
How does identity theft happen, how can you prevent it, and what to do if you're a victim.
This show, we do a deep dive on reverse mortgages. Once a much maligned financial product -- and for good reason -- they are now a very viable and beneficial financial planning tool.
Short, bite-sized truisms about money to help you build a solid financial foundation and build wealth over time.
This is the annual discussion of one our most popular podcasts -- prioritizing the right savings vehicles to maximize your net worth. It's starts with an emergency fund and ends with a traditional brokerage account, but there are a whole lot of options in between.
Estate planning is an important component of comprehensive financial planning. In this episode, we discuss why estate planning matters, the key components of a complete estate plan, and the pitfalls of a poorly crafted (or non-existent) estate plan.
The different perspectives on Financial Independence, it's importance, how to achieve it, and some potential pitfalls to keep in mind.
Steps you can take year-round to lower your annual tax bill and keep more money for yourself.
Demystifying Long Term Care - What is it, how is it delivered, types of facilities, and how to plan and pay for it.
A recent survey shows that about one-third of the US population has nothing saved for retirement. Of those who have something saved, most have less than $100,000. We discuss this low rate of retirement savings, how you can improve your savings rate, and tell a success story of a client who started with nothing.
Wealthway Financial Advisors investment management philosophy and principles are explained in detail. Money is purchasing power and its value is relative. Stocks are a superior and safer long term investment than bonds. But investors must accept more short term variations in the price of stocks than bonds. Building a solid investment portfolio comes after goals are established and a plan is devised.
This week, we have a show full of listener calls. Hear real life scenarios from people who need help maximizing their financial resources. Kevin discusses what to do with a large windfall, how to find an experienced, ethical financial advisor, encourages a listener to build his dream home, and advises a single person on how to think about wealth accumulation and potential long-term care expenses.
Americans are living longer, which means the concept of retirement is evolving. In this episode, we discuss what modern retirement looks like, how you can best prepare, and techniques to help you age well.
For a variety of reasons, many people like to know how they stack up. This show, we talk about how to calculate and measure wealth so you can see how you compare.
A recent survey found that 82% of Americans regretted a financial decision in 2023 -- and 68% of those said their mistakes caused them significant stress. We discuss those regrettable financial moves and how to avoid them in 2024.
More great tips and useful strategies pertaining to investment management, debt usage, and credit history to set you up for success this year.
A variety of listener calls with real life financial planning concerns make up the majority of this show. Kevin answers questions and provides guidance on Inherited IRAs, uses for home equity, Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and a thorny family estate planning issue.
The personal, cash flow, asset & debt, tax, insurance, and legal issues to consider to get 2024 started right.
By understanding how and why people deviate from rational expectations, behavior finance provides a blueprint to help us make better, more logical financial decisions.
How to draw income from your investments to make sure your money lasts as long as you do.
The elements that comprise a professional-grade, comprehensive financial planning engagement.
How does the stock market work, what are we really investing in, why is it so important to our financial security?
Now that interest rates are on the rise, we are starting to see bank rates increase. Listen to learn where to keep your emergency bank funds based on your time horizon and liquidity needs.
Kevin & Allison give their take on the bank crisis and FCID insurance, then tackle some common investing myths.
Money issues are the second leading cause of divorce in America. Listen to our thoughts on how to avoid money conflicts in your marriage.
Get your finances in shape for 2023! Pay down debt, start a savings plan and invest using these tips.
Tis' the season of giving. Thinking about making a financial gift to a loved one? Or a donation to a charity? Listen now to learn how to maximize your giving and minimize your taxes.
Proactive year-end tax planning for retirement savings, required minimum distributions and charitable giving.
Financial scams are happening more often and becoming more sophisticated. Can you spot a scam? What to look out for and how to protect yourself.
Learn how to assess the Property & Casualty, Life, Disability & Health Insurance that's right for YOU.
Whether you are a young accumulator or a retiree in the distribution phase, listen for tips on how to weather the current bear market.
Regret claiming early? Waited too long to claim? Didn't use the right strategy? Here are three little known social security do-over options.
Learn about capital gains tax, how it can cause a surprise tax bill, and which important documents you need to keep regarding investments and real estate transactions.
Kevin & Allison take caller's questions on reverse mortgages, gifting rules, roth conversions and more.
Kevin & Allison continue the conversation from the last show about estate planning and the best assets to inherit.
Kevin & Allison delve into the psychology behind investing and the worst investment decisions.
Get your finances in shape for 2022! Detox from debt, start healthy savings habits, and get your investments working for you.
In the season of giving, Kevin & Allison talk about the rules and misconceptions of gifting, charitable donation strategies and required minimum distribution basics.
Kevin & Allison cover retirement missteps to watch out for and answer caller questions about retirement plan distributions, investing in gold & silver, and planning for an early retirement.
Inflation! Should you be concerned? Kevin & Allison talk about inflation, the current inflation environment and planning tools to protect your spending power.
It's open enrollment season, know how to evaluated employee benefits like Health & Life Insurance.
Kevin & Allison discuss the role of taxes in retirement and answer questions about TSP rollovers, roth conversions, and portfolio allocation.
Kevin & Allison answer advise callers on social security claiming strategies and answer questions on benefit reductions.
It's time to pay for college expenses for your student and you don't have all of the funds set aside in an educational savings account, what are your options? Kevin & Allison explore various funding options including 529 accounts and other less traditional ideas.