Great Points: Recent Episodes
Matt Schroeder
Are you interested in improving your relationship with money? Matthew D. Schroeder, CFP®, is a Wealth Advisor and the Director of Financial Planning at Great Point Wealth Advisors. A Certified Financial Planner designee with 20 years of experience, Matt has been recognized a number of times by Boston Magazine as a 5-Star Wealth Manager. In this show, he provides financial insights for improving your relationship with money. Matt shares observations, learnings, and insights he's accumulated throughout his extensive career and helps listeners make more confident financial decisions to preserve and improve their financial wellbeing.
On today's episode, Matt talks about how articles and reporting can use numerical "facts" or predictions to elicit a reaction. Tapping into your SAT skills, reading these articles critically can help you determine whether there is any actionable information therein, or if your plan already has you covered. In a world where there is more content than in the past, determining the right information to take on board is as important as ever.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Boston University sophomore, Benjamin Brosnahan. Ben is an Economics major at BU, and also runs workshops for fellow students on improving financial literacy. In this wide ranging conversation, Matt and Ben talk about some practical tips for teaching financial literacy, the power of starting early, the importance of budgeting as a foundational skill, and much more. If you are interested in learning more for yourself, or you are looking to teach others about personal finances, this episode is a great resource to get started.
On today's episode, Matt talks with the president of Great Point Wealth Advisors and Chief Investment Officer, Peter Disch. They talk about why prices have risen so much in the past few years and what it means for the economy and individuals. They also cover why prices coming down might not be as good as it sounds. Finally, they cover what it all means for you as an investor, and how you can position yourself well for whatever comes next.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to get off to a fast start in your personal finances or help your loved ones do the same. In finances, much like an Olympic race, getting off to a fast start can put you in a great position to reach a successful outcome. As a newer investor, investing more now can give you a huge leg up for the future. Or if you are looking to set up your heirs for financial stability, gifting them money towards long-term savings can equally have a huge impact. Listen in to learn more about potential strategies.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Ashley Ganem, Director of Development at the North Shore CDC. Community Development Corporations (CDCs) are non-government organizations focused on advocating for underrepresented communities. To date, the North Shore CDC has put $90 million into affordable housing in the area, in addition to programs for public art, business consulting, language lessons, and much more. Not to mention the state of Massachusetts gives a tax credit to donors (the CITC tax credit). Listen in to learn more about the great work Ashely and the North Shore CDC do for the area!
On today's episode, Matt talks about how to get more intentional and effective with your charitable giving. For many, giving is a part of their budget, even if it's not necessarily pre-planned. What if you were to focus on making charitable giving part of your financial plan? How much can you afford to give and how can you narrow down which causes to support? While many people feel they don't have enough to make a meaningful impact, Matt lays out some ways you can maximize your contributions to causes you care about.
On today's podcast, Matt talks about nutrition with his repeat guest, Dr. Mike Stare of Spectrum Fitness Consulting in Beverly, MA. Mike has an impressive background, including working with Paralympic athletes and attaining his doctorate in Physical Therapy. This episode is chock full of methods and information to help you make good food choices. Mike discusses some common myths on dieting, motivation, and aging as well as some tips to make progress on any of your wellness goals. Many of the assumptions we have about aging are just not backed by science. Listen in to learn how to get and stay healthier no matter what age you are.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about renting versus buying a vacation home. If you have a favorite place that you plan to go for many years, what do the numbers tell us about renting a property versus buying? What are some of the major economic considerations? Matt also covers some of the non-monetary parts of the decision making process so that you can make the right decision for you and your family.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Ken Kumph, owner of Premier Builders. They discuss different options for making home modifications to enable aging in your current home rather than downsizing in this difficult housing market. From small modifications such as adding safety railings or access ramps, to modifying an existing floor plan to enable easier "one floor living", Ken offers some advice on making your current home work for you.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Marcos Baugh, the President of Urban Golf Club. Marcos started Urban Golf Club as a non-profit aiming to help urban kids learn golf and financial literacy through the core values of patience, humility, and accountability. While Marcos started as a caddy at The Country Club in Brookline, he is now brining new people to golf through Boys and Girls clubs in the greater Boston area, all while helping them build a solid financial foundation for life. Listen to learn more about the mission and what you can do to help, or visit https://www.urbangolfclub.org/
On today's episode, Matt has a great conversation with Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors based in Maryland. Eric and Matt talk about a wide array of topics. They discuss why Financial Literacy is still chronically underprioritized, how retirement doesn't have to be the end of meaningful work, and what is the future of college education. In addition to his career as a Financial Advisor, Eric has built a media company to reach people who may not have access to professional advice, including a book and podcast called "Don't Retire...Graduate!"
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent ad he saw that said, "Does your portfolio need a 180?" What are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when you see such an ad? It may be tempting to make a snap decision when things change, but Matt lays out some ideas to help sift through the noise and resist making changes for the wrong reasons.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the impact credit card debt can have on your financial plan. With interest rates rising over the last couple years, the variable rates on credit cards have risen even faster. Take a few minutes to review your current credit card balances and see what if any interest you are currently paying. If you have balances you are currently carrying, considering using some emergency funds to reduce the interest you owe. Or if you have multiple cards, look into which card currently gives you the best rate.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with personal stylist, Mary McRae. As a men's stylist for J. Hilburn, Mary offers some insights on ways you can reduce your environmental impact by being intentional with your clothing choices. Between buying higher quality, longer-lasting pieces, choosing ethically manufactured products, or donating unneeded clothes, there are many ways you can build an economical and sustainable wardrobe.
On today's Earth Day themed episode of Great Points, Matt interviews Janelle Rolke, the Waste Reduction Coordinator for the city of Salem, MA. They discuss the various programs in Salem designed to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. Between refillable products and containers, composting, and effective recycling, learn more about what how you can do to help protect our planet.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt interviews licensed acupuncturist, Christine Almeida of Salem Acupuncture Therapy. Learn how Christine discovered acupuncture through a debilitating injury at a young age, and how it changed the way she looks at both pain relief and preventive health care. Originating in Eastern medical practices, acupuncture has been around for millennia, but there are many reasons it's still popular today. Christine dispels some common concerns about acupuncture therapy and details the many benefits her patients experience.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks gives some practical tips for turning Financial Literacy principles into healthy habits. Just like with any skill, the concepts of Financial Literacy will only become ingrained with practice. If you're wondering how to teach a student, young adult, or even yourself how to manage day to day finances, repetition and real life examples will help to make the lessons stick.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer, Mike Stare. They talk about aging and how we can all add qualify of life to our years rather than just years to our life. Whether you are in your 40s, 70s, or 90s, Mike shares tips and advice for how to maintain and improve your physical fitness.
On today's episode, Matt talks with Stephen DiGregorio, the founder and owner of "Protecting your Assets LLC," a legal firm focused on Estate Planning. Matt and Steve talk about what it means to have an estate plan, and they take on some misconceptions people frequently have. What is a Health Care Proxy or a Springing Power of Attorney? Whether you have $50 in the bank or $10 million in assets, knowing some of the basics of estate planning is vital to protecting you and your loved ones.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about whether college is worth the cost and he gives some examples of the right questions to ask. What are some things to consider before deciding to enroll in an expensive college education? What are the other options? As with many financial decisions, there is not just one right answer, but having a plan and doing some calculations can help you find the right answer for you.
On today's episode of Great Points, fresh off re-watching Schitt's Creek, Matt talks through some of the money lessons that came to mind. How can you raise your kids to understand money? Matt shares some tips for helping your children understand the value of a dollar. Whether they are young kids, recent graduates, or mid-career professionals who may inherit some money, communication is key.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to an article he read on LinkedIn about supporting local by paying in cash. Is paying in cash actually better for a business? And more importantly, what makes more sense for you? Matt talks through the psychology of using cash versus credit and some tips for making the most of both approaches.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about some of the financial planning lessons he learned from watching Bye Bye Barry, the documentary about the life and career of Barry Sanders. While one of the best running backs of all time, Barry Sanders is perhaps most famous for retiring while still in his prime. Why did Barry give up the game when he was the peak of his earning power? Listen to learn more about the value of "running your own race" and deciding how much is enough for you.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder and Brandon Parker talk about the giving season and how you can include charitable giving in your plan. The holiday season is a great time of year to give back to your community, so listen in for some tips to maximize the impact of your contribution, whether monetary or otherwise!
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks to Bill Hooper, who recently sold his business after 20+ years. They talk about Bill's experience as a business owner, and ultimately what made him decide to sell. They also talk in depth about the sale process, owner financing, and what comes after "retiring" from your business . If you are a business owner, or even just considering retirement, this episode is for you.
On today's episode, Matt talks about how Certificates of Deposit work and some of the pros and cons of buying them. While an annual yield of 5% sounds attractive in a vacuum, what are some of the things to consider before buying CDs?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and his colleague Brandon discuss some tips and ideas for helping to stay within your budget during the holiday season. It's tricky to say no to family, friends, and charities, but what are some ways you can still manage to be generous without breaking the bank?
On today's episode, Matt records in front of a live audience to talk about a few conversations he's overheard in the Barber shop. First he discusses a case where a couple is moving in together and trying to decide whether they should rent out their second condo versus sell it. Next, Matt talks about a man who moved his whole portfolio to CDs this year. Did these folks do the right thing? And what questions should you ask yourself before taking a stranger's advice?
On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss "Open Enrollment" and how to decide which benefits to enroll in through your employer. While insurance may not be the most exciting topic, enrolling in the right coverage for you can pay huge dividends down the road. Learn about deductibles, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability insurance, and more to help decide what benefits fit your unique financial situation.
On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss what to look for when changing jobs. Whether you are hoping for a pay raise, thinking of getting an advanced degree, or looking to do something entirely different, what are some of the key things to consider?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to make the most of the time you spend working on your personal finances. Is it on investment returns, cash flow, or something else?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss goal setting and how you can create an actionable plan to reach those goals. Whether you have existing goals you've let lapse a bit, or you want to set new ones, creating accountability will help you stay on track.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks a little about deferred compensation, fringe benefits, and other employee benefits that are designed to "lock you in" to your current employer. When is it time to walk away from a job, and how should we think about leaving money on the table when we do?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about a fairly common challenge for very future oriented people...how can they actually spend their money and not feel guilty about it? By bucketing out "fun money", you or your thrifty loved one can enjoy some responsible spending without putting long-term goals at risk.
On this episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss some books they've recently read that you can take to the beach or wherever you do your reading. They discuss a couple lighter options, and also a few for those who want to go deeper on their financial learning.
"Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel
"Your Money and Your Brain" by Jason Zweig
"Your Money or Your Life" by Vicky Robin and Joe Dominguez
"Financial Intelligence" by Doug Lennick
"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt answers three questions from his friend and former colleague Jason Roberts of Oracle. Jason is wondering how he can possibly manage to pay for 4 kids to go to college, what he should do with his Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and whether a Roth conversion would be right for him?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about some of the traditional assumptions we make about retirement, and what are some other options available. What if retirement isn't just about working until 65 and then stopping cold turkey?
On today's episode, Matt talks with colleague Brandon Parker about the value of networking, especially early in your career. Whether you work in sales, the trades, or even work at a big Fortune 500 company, expanding your network has many benefits beyond just finding your next job. Matt and Brandon discuss some strategies for building relationships and how building a network can open doors you may not have expected.
On today's episode, Matt speaks with Sharon Billings, Life Coach and Founder of Blue Compass Life. They talk about some behavioral challenges people face in life and personal finance. What are some of the myths or mental blocks that hold people back? Are there different patterns for different genders or generations?
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks in depth about Inflation Bonds (i bonds) and how they may fit into your investment portfolio. Much like CDs, these instruments are paying higher rates than they have in years, but understanding how they work and the risks associated can help you make the best choice for your circumstances.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt analyzes the current state of the housing market and how to decide the right path for you. The decision to buy a house is complex, and there are many things to think about. Here are some factors to consider and calculations that can help you make an informed decision you won't regret later.
On today's episode, Matt talks with Heather Tharpe, a licensed wellness coach and hypnotherapist based in Wenham, MA. Heather asks Matt about how to overcome fear of investment loss, how to prepare for a working retirement, and how to live her life today without worrying about tomorrow, with a few pop culture references mixed in. They also cover house downsizing considerations and how to approach planning for her children as they become adults.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Great Point Wealth Advisors founder and Chief Investment Officer, Pete Disch, about recent news regarding the US economy. They touch on inflation, the market's reaction to recent economic data, and reading recommendations to become a better investor.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon talk about different investment options in your retirement plan or brokerage account and how to align your investment strategy to your goals. Whether you are a new investor just opening your first investment account, or a seasoned investor with years of experience, spending just 15-30 minutes to review your investments annually can help you stay on track.
In this episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the different considerations that go into retiring. Your financial situation plays a role, but what other things might factor into your decision?
On today's episode, Matt is joined by colleague Brandon Parker to discuss how to avoid a summertime spending spike. They talk about some common pitfalls and how to say no when those inevitable last minute invites come up.
On today's episode, Matt is joined by Randy Gregory of Aetna Medicare. They talk about Medicare coverage options and how to figure out what coverage is right for you.
On today's episode, Matt interviews Dr. Joe Coughlin, professor at MIT's department of Urban Studies and Planning, Director of MIT AgeLab, and author of 'The Longevity Economy'. They talk about the Dr. Joe's research on aging, the future of retirement, and ways to maximize quality of life as we age.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and colleague Brandon Parker share some resources and tips for taking the stress out of doing your taxes.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt goes deep on planning for a million dollar traditional IRA. He looks at the different options for managing those funds, how withdrawals will impact taxes, and when it may make sense to initiate a Roth conversion.
Today on the podcast, Matt talks with Kelly DeFelice, Vice President at Eastern Bank in Beverly. They talk about shopping around for the best rates, starting a business, and the implications of a career change or retiring early.
Today on Great Points, Matt talks with Matt Farley who has released over 24,000 songs. They discuss getting started in music, turning your side hustle into your main thing, and tons of other lessons in life and business.
You can find all my Matt Farley's music on all streaming platforms.
On Today's podcast, Matt discusses cash flow with colleague Brandon Parker. How do you calculate your cash flow and where is your money going? Learn how mastering your cash flow can help you make better spending and saving decisions.
On today's episode, Matt talks to Ken Kumph, President of the Cabinet Owners Association and owner of Premier Builders based in Georgetown, MA. They talk about running your own business, inflation, and the job market post Covid.
for more information on Ken and his business please visit: https://www.premierbuildersinc.net/
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt discusses the importance of your credit report and what contributes to a high or low credit score. He has colleague and Financial Advisor Brandon Parker on to share some insights.
Happy New Year! On a special New Year's episode of Great Points, Matt recaps his favorite episodes from 2022 and gives us a preview of what to expect from season 4 in 2023!
On today's episode Matt walks through the different options to pay for college tuition in a period of rising interest rates.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt examines some options to put your extra cash to work for you and to make financial decisions you can feel good about.
Today on Great Points, Matt answers questions from his network on common investing terms and concepts that can help you make more informed financial decisions starting today.
On today’s episode, Matt speaks with Di Ciruolo, CEO and founder of Staffing Studio and millennial investor. They talk about a wide range of subjects top of mind for millennials such as how to get started investing, investing through uncertainty, and when to engage an advisor.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt discusses open enrollment. When thinking about open enrollment think if these three things: disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and your legal plan.
Listen to this interview with a member of the Great Point team and former pro golfer Brandon Parker share his experience in breaking into the professional golfing world.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reviews a Wall Street Journal Article that says "on average most people want to have 1.25 million dollars when they pass."
On today's episode of great Points, Matt discusses what you should do when someone is asking for advice? Should you just listen or tell them here's what you should do.
Everyone wants to have fun at the fair but you do not want to have regrets about spending money. On today's episode of Great Points, Matt discusses how to enjoy yourself without feeling guilty later.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt discusses four tools to make yourself a better financial planner. His four tips are: make a net worth analysis, run a cash flow report, do a portfolio review and check your insurance policies. Doing all of these annually will make you a better financial planner!
So far 2022 has been a stressful time for many about their finances. On todays episode f Great Points, Matt tries to relieve some stresses with a lighter episode to help with some of those stresses.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the benefits and risks in buying a second home as an investment property and also the logistics of how often you would have to rent it out to make a profit.
Welcome back to Great Points! On todays episode Matt asks the question "should I sell my investments to buy some CD's?" He answers this by discussing when you need the money by and that stocks and IRA's are a long term investment where you cannot worry about short term losses with the market volatility.
Congratulations to all of the recent graduates! Now that you have graduated what is next? Do you move out and pay rent or stay home? In this episode of Great Points, Matt gives recent graduates and parents advice on what to do in this situation.
On this episode of Great Points, Matt talks about becoming a billionaire or millionaire and how to achieve that whether that is a goal for your life time for if you have a longer generational goal.
On today's lacrosse episode of Great Points Matt continues to discuss how the mindset of a lacrosse goalies correlates to financial planning. After part one where he talks about having a goal, part two discuses having a plan.
On this special episode of Great Points Matt talks about lessons lacrosse has taught him about being a financial planner. He says "In addition to being a wealth manager, another passion I have is lacrosse because I was a division 1 lacrosse goalie in college. I feel like there is a lot of crossover in the lessons I have learned from both."
Special episode of Great Points! With 2022 markets off to rocky start, Matt gives advice of how to handle the markets being negative year to date.
On today's episode of Great Points Matt highlights some of the key topics that he have shared over the last 24 episodes that hopefully has helped listeners to make more confident financial decisions.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt gives three earth friendly tips to improve your budget while making a difference for the world.
On today's episode of Great Points Matt discusses whether or not it is right for you to put your home into a trust. Discussion of this usually happens with retiring individuals, those who have recently lost a spouse or loved one or those with aging parents. It is important to know that there are three different types of trusts: revocable trust, irrevocable trust and a life estate. Listen to this episode to learn more from Matt.
On today's episode of Great Points Matt discusses tax refunds. After you submit your taxes what happens when you pay the government more than you owe them and receive a tax refund? Listen to this episode to find out!
On this episode of Great Points, Matt discusses options for selling your house, with the average price of homes going up 30% in the last two years, it is an important topic to think about. There are three scenarios he talks about: First, looking at the cost to stay in your current house vs. the cost to rent in the area. Second, selling your house and moving somewhere where the house values and taxes are cheaper. And Third, Staying in your area and splitting time in a cheaper area.
With tax day right around the corner, on today's episode of Great Points Matt gives us advice on can you do your own taxes and if yes, should you do your own taxes.
On today's episode of Great Points Matt talks all things annuities. There are three things you should be aware of if you own one: not all are bad, they are very complex and they are usually with a commission based product.
On today's episode Matt discusses Roth Conversions. What is it? How does it work? And why should you care? Listen to find out!
On today's episode of Great Points Matt brings back "Questions with Matt" in his interview with Alex Ray. Alex is a business manager for Leslie S. Ray Insurance Agency, his families business located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. For more information on Leslie S. Ray insurance please visit: https://leslieray.com/
In today's Episode Matt discusses how to prepare for the home buying process. What you should do if you are unable to get to the full 20% down payment or, if you have the money available, is it better to put 30% down? When it comes to buying a house there is not a right strategy for everyone but there is a right strategy for you.
On today's episode Matt discusses estate planning which is wills, trusts and the things you need to protect your wealth. He talks about ho to make sure you leave your children enough money if you want them to receive your inheritance.
For more information on how to plan for this and discussing the inevitable, Matt has an episode in season 1 titled "Addressing the Inevitable."
Stay tuned for another episode dropping later today!
On today's episode, Matt discusses how to navigate retirement and setting retirement goals for yourself. Not only does this episode cover how to plan for retirement, but also the most common mistakes people make when they start to think about retirement.
On today's episode of Great Points, Matt discusses all things college planning and paying for college. He gives three different options for establishing your goals as well as tips if you are already in the college paying process.
Happy 2022 everyone! On today's episode Matt gives tips on how to navigate personal financial New Years resolutions through smart goals.
On today's episode Matt has his business partner Peter Disch on as a guest. Peter Disch, CFP® is the Founder and Managing Member of Great Point Wealth Advisors located in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information on Peter or Great Point Wealth Advisors visit: https://www.greatpointwealth.com/
On today's episode Matt interviews Adaias Souza owner of the Danvers Pillar to Post home inspection company. Matt asks Adaias questions on protecting the value of your home during the home inspecting process. For more information please visit https://adaiassouza.pillartopost.com/
In today's episode Matt explains what marginal tax and that it is defined the tax rate you pay on an additional dollar of income. This can be confusing for many so Matt breaks it down for us to understand.
On today's episode Matt gives us some insight on savings bonds. What to do when you receive them and how they work when they accrue interest over time. For more information or to search for your bonds go to https://www.treasurydirect.gov/
On today's episode, Matt gives out advice on Giving Tuesday and how to handle giving to charities especially if you do not have excess funds.
On today's episode Matt interviews Rob Famulare, Chef and Manager of multiple restaurants in California. If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with Matts questions:
Episode #3: Is my 401k the best place for me to saveEpisode #8: When should I pay off my mortgageEpisode #10: Am I Saving Enough for the Future?
On todays episode Matt discusses the perspective of some retirees through write in questions. If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with this episode:
Episode #11: Mistakes People Make When Inheriting MoneyEpisode #16: We May Be Leaving our Kids a Million Dollars
Thank you to Katie Boucher for joining me on Great Points this week and providing some great questions. If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with Katie's questions:
episode 4, season 1 where I go into more detail on the decision to upgrade your home.
episode 2, season 1 where I cover the power of compounding growth for long term goals
episode 20, season 1 when is the right time to hire an advisor
Today Matt is going to interview Laurie LaBrie, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, of Integrated HR. https://www.integratedhrteam.com/
On todays episode Matt interviews Emma Buckley, Great Points newest hire and a recent college graduate.
Today Matt is going to interview Jesse DeBenedictis, owner and CEO of Works by JD. https://worksbyjd.com/
After 24 episodes I thought it would be helpful to highlight some of the key topics that I have shared over the last 6 months that hopefully has helped listeners to make more confident financial decisions.
Many have heard the saying "There are 2 certainties in Life, Death, and Taxes" and both are topics that people like to avoid talking about. However not talking about them does not solve any problems it just increases the odds of future conflict. In this episode, we will discuss how to approach sensitive financial planning concepts across generations and provide some possible conversation starters.
Most people consider the funds they put into their 401k untouchable until retirement. In most cases that is the right approach to allow the funds to grow tax-deferred and to benefit from long-term market growth. However there are times when cash flow is tight, liquidity is limited and the month-to-month stress of meeting financial obligations can be high. In times like this if you have a 6-figure 401k balance but less than $5,000 in the bank you can make a case for using a 401k loan as a way to reduce some short-term stress. In this episode, we are going to review the basic details of a 401k loan and some situations where you may want to explore the options.
It is not uncommon for a client to inherit a home from a parent or close relative that may not have had children of their own. In many cases, they already own a home of their own and they ask me what they should do with a second home. In this episode, we will discuss the options to consider when inheriting a home and the pros and cons of each option.
If you work for a publicly-traded company you may have the option to buy your company stock. Often times a portion of your bonus or 401k match can be tied to company stock. The question is what should you do with it? In this episode, we will discuss how company stock can fit into an overall plan and how to avoid some common mistakes when it comes to company stock ownership.
Every client I have worked with has personal challenges and roadblocks that they need to deal with, however overall they are fortunate for their financial position in life. If you have ever had the feeling that you are fortunate for what you have and would like to give back then this is the episode for you. The 1st question most clients ask is can I afford to be charitable. The next obstacle is with over 4,000 non-profits on the North Shore of Boston alone it can be an intimidating task of trying to decide what causes to volunteer for or donate to. To help provide some insight and guidance when it comes to community engagement and charitable giving, Beth Francis, CEO of Essex County Community Foundation (www.eccf.org) will join us to answer some questions on the topic.
If you have been employed for any stretch of time you have probably had to deal with this topic and the impending panic that can follow. In this episode we will discuss some ideas to reduce the stress and be proactive in your planning for unpredictable events such as being laid off.
For many parents who have worked hard, saved some money for retirement, and paid down their mortgage it is not uncommon to have a net worth over a million dollars without feeling like you have a lot of money. Despite the feeling, with this type of net worth, decent social security income sources, and a modest lifestyle it is likely there will be some funds left over for your heirs. I get a number of questions on what we should be doing to safeguard the assets or prepare our kids for the time when we pass. In this episode, I will discuss some common planning discussions and questions you should ask yourself to develop a plan that aligns with your goals.
Empty nesters looking for a change, elderly parents aging in place, college grads struggling to launch, a global pandemic that has kept families apart. All of these factors have created a dialogue with regards to flexible housing options to accommodate a multi-generational audience. With that in mind, I have invited a guest, Maura Allard, to lend her expertise and experience to the discussion.
One asset that is not always discussed in a financial plan is one’s health and well-being. In today’s episode, we will discuss the cost/benefit of proactively investing in your health from eating habits, lifestyle choices and exercise, and training options. To help with the discussion, I have invited an expert in the field to lend his expertise and useful tools to develop your approach to investing in your health.
You just returned from your favorite vacation spot and are back at work on Zillow, checking out what you could buy in the area. If this sounds familiar, this is an episode for you. I will discuss common conversations with clients regarding the idea of buying a 2nd home and the affordability and practicality of the idea. I will also address common mistakes people make when jumping into a 2nd home too quickly or with the wrong plan in place.
Episode Description: With 2 children hoping to go to college, a mortgage, and both parents working many individuals and couples question if they need life insurance, do they have enough and what types are the right ones. There is no magic figure or one size fits all formula for determining your insurance needs. In this episode, I will cover some ways to assess your insurance needs and how to avoid being sold the wrong type of coverage.
Receiving a financial benefit, whether it be ten thousand or one million dollars, due to the death of a loved one is often a more challenging financial situation than people think. In this episode, we are going to talk about some of the mistakes that people tend to make when learning about a possible inheritance and some strategies to help make effective decisions during an emotional time.
Many people I talk to are concerned they are not saving enough for the future or they want to know how they are doing compared to their peers. In this episode, we will discuss the importance and urgency for savings, how to recognize the various ways you may already be saving, and some creative approaches to increasing your long term savings rate.
Understanding how to use and manage debt can be a powerful tool in your financial plan. However, there are many detours that can lead you down the wrong path. In this episode, we will discuss the concept of good debt vs bad debt, ways to avoid too much debt, and approaches to reducing your debt if you are already in the soup!
Over the last 9 months, most Americans have been unable to spend as much as they normally would on discretionary items like travel, dining, and entertainment. If you were fortunate enough to maintain your earnings potential it is likely you have some extra money in savings - the question I get as an advisor is “Should I put some of this toward the mortgage” In this episode, we will discuss the pros and cons of putting extra toward the principal of the mortgage and review some of the concepts of compounding interest to help you make confident decisions for your personal situation.
Transportation is a necessary expense in everyone’s household budget. However, the range of what you spend on the means of transportation can vary widely. In this episode, we are going to discuss some talking points on making the best decision for your personal situation. We will also discuss the other costs of a car purchase and the future value of making solid decisions in this area of your budget.
Having nice things feels great! Until it is time to pay for them. In this episode, we are going to discuss how easy it is to spend more than you make and some approaches to make proactive decisions that align with your long term goals while still being able to enjoy your money today.
Everybody has their own unique views on money that are shaped over time by parents, friends, media, and personal experiences. These views can shape the decisions they make in key financial matters. Unfortunately, these preexisting views may not always lead to the most effective financial decisions. In this episode, we will discuss ways to identify your views on money and some ideas to challenge internal dialogue to ensure you are making confident financial decisions for the long term.
With most people spending a majority of their time in their homes over the last few months the question of space has been very common. Do we need more room/space? Can we afford more room/space? Should we do the work or just move? In this episode, we will discuss a path to address some of these questions, recognize the potential danger zones, and to ensure you are more confident in the decisions you will make in the future.
In this episode, we will review the options for saving for long term goals like retirement. We will address the benefits of a 401k but also cover the drawbacks of this type of plan and the alternatives to saving. We will discuss the tax implications on savings, the idea of managing liquidity for unexpected expenses, and some simple tips for developing a manageable savings plan.
If you have ever heard the phrase uttered” If I had only started a little earlier I would…..” you will appreciate this discussion on the concept of compounding interest and how time and discipline can make a huge impact on your financial goals. We will discuss how to leverage this concept toward college retirement and long-term savings goals.
Many people have a high degree of confidence in their work and personal life but when it comes to matters of money they often have stress and anxiety when faced with challenging financial decisions. In this 1st episode, Matt will provide an overview of his approach to helping individuals get smart with their approach to key money matters.