Couchside Conversations

Two hundred million people a month turn to AI for financial advice. The answers they get are technically accurate, carefully hedged, and almost completely generic. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Wealth Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Kevin Rex ran a live experiment: they asked ChatGPT to surface the five most common financial questions people search for, then answered each one themselves...

For most people, “enough” starts as a number. A salary, a savings target, a net worth figure that feels like the finish line. But as you build a business, raise a family, and move through life’s harder moments, that definition tends to shift in ways that surprise you. In this episode of Couchside Conversations , Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer Stacey McKinnon sits down with S...

We expect financial advisors to have it all figured out. Fully optimized budgets, zero impulse purchases, complete immunity to a well-timed discount code. The reality is considerably more human. In this episode of Couchside Conversations , Morton Wealth advisors Beau and Patrice open up about their own spending confessions: late-night Instagram shoes, $500 in mobile game purchases, $2,000-a-month...

Most couples wait an average of seven years longer than they should before going to therapy. Seven years of unspoken assumptions, avoided conversations, and tension that could have been addressed so much sooner. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Advisor Beau Wirick sits down with licensed therapist Jennie Marie Battistin to talk about a different approach — one where therapy isn't a...

Somewhere between building a career, raising children, supporting aging parents, and becoming the new leader of one’s family, life gets complicated. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Wealth Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Chris Galeski unpack the realities of midlife: a chapter in which responsibilities stack up and time becomes more limited than ever. Through personal stories and honest re...

What happens when the home you love no longer supports the life or community you want? In this thoughtful conversation, COO & CMO Stacey McKinnon interviews newly retired advisor Jason Naiman about how he and his wife, Sandy, have been weighing the decision between staying in their longtime home or moving into a retirement community. They explore the emotional and financial trade-offs: social...

56% of Americans say their parents never discussed money with them. In this Couchside Conversations episode, Wealth Advisors Eric Selter, Priscilla Brehm, and Chris Galeski discuss why so many families avoid these conversations... and why they shouldn’t. They highlight how thoughtful family meetings can create shared understanding, reduce uncertainty, and help the next generation prepare for futur...

Each generation is shaped by its upbringing and the defining events of its time. In this episode of Couchside Conversations , Wealth Advisors Sophie Leahy, Austin Overholt, and Beau Wirick explore how these influences shape financial decisions across generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z (we still need more time to let Gen Alpha cook). Through personal anecdotes and real-life ex...

Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, but what does it really mean for financial advice?  In this conversation from our 2025 Investor Symposium, Financial Advisors Beau Wirick and Mike Rudow break down how tools like ChatGPT can enhance efficiency in some ways while still falling short in areas that matter most: judgment, context, emotional intelligence, and true fiduciary...

Ever wonder how much money you need to retire comfortably? The reality is, your “number” changes at every stage of life. Join Modearn® Advisors Chris Galeski, Joe Seetoo, and Kevin Rex as they explore retirement planning, challenge common rules of thumb, and reveal how spending, taxes, and account types can make the biggest differences.  Tune in if you’re interested in… * Why “your number” evolves...

Ever notice how you never regret the vacations you take… only the ones you postpone? In this episode, Morton Wealth Advisor Kevin Rex (who also happens to be a seasoned jet-setter) joins his wife, Nicole, and their best friends, Julia and Nick Cirbo, to share real-life tips that make travel easier and more enjoyable. From concierge hacks and LAX valet tricks to non-negotiables like direct flights,...

Credit card points are a fun bonus, but as Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening and guest expert Greg Eisenman reveal in this session from Morton Wealth’s 2025 Investor Symposium, they can be much more than that.  Greg shares how credit card points are his most powerful tool for funding travel, amplifying everyday spending, and freeing up cash for bigger financial goals. If you want to know how he saved...

Should we strive for a work-life balance... or work-life presence? In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Kevin Rex and Stacey McKinnon explore the difference between the two and how to set healthy boundaries with colleagues and loved ones. Tune in if you’re interested in… • Why “presence” is a healthier, more realistic goal than balance • How to set expectations that reduce guilt and stress...

The way you handle money doesn’t just come down to income and expenses. Your mindset, which can be dictated by everything from childhood experiences to modern-day pressures, may be the most important determinant in your financial life.  Financial Planning Advisors Brittany Yudkowsky and Ian Rennick are here to break down the psychology of money and how you can become more proactive about shaping a...

One of the most common client questions our advisors have been receiving is, “What should I do if we go into a recession?” While no one can predict the next downturn, CEO Jeff Sarti and Modearn® Advisor Beau Wirick break down practical steps to help you feel more confident no matter what the economy throws your way.  Tune in if you’re interested in… • Knowing how a recession might impact you, depe...

Did you know that approximately one in three Americans feels uncomfortable talking about finances with their partner? Although it’s a sensitive topic, money is a critical part of relationships that needs to be discussed with intention.  In this episode, Modearn® Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Michael Grosslight explore how money stories and habits shape the way couples approach financial decisions....

There are more ways to invest than just in the traditional stocks and bonds market. Sometimes, thinking outside the box can unlock untapped potential for investors and offer ways to diversify one's portfolio and protect against volatility. Modearn™ advisors Kevin Rex and CEO Jeff Sarti discuss creative investments that offer opportunities for growth through emerging or niche markets. Here are...

Three years ago, we launched Modearn™, a flat-fee financial planning service designed for Gen Xers and Millennials seeking personalized advice without the traditional barriers. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, financial advisors Stacey McKinnon and Beau Wirick share the story behind Modearn™, why it matters, and how partnering with a Modearn™ advisor can help you make smarter decisions...

Using your credit card points strategically is an art that can land you some pretty cool vacations when you do it right. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™ advisor Chris Galeski and his wife, Briana, share how they turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.  Tune in if you're interested in... - The pros and cons of popular cards like the American Express P...

Did you know that 70% of the time, family assets are lost from one generation to the next, and assets are gone 90% of the time by the third generation? Giving, receiving, and using one's inheritance wisely isn't easy and usually takes a lot of intentional planning and emotional consideration. In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Kevin Rex and Stacey McKinnon share their tips on all things...

Leading a modern business isn't easy, especially since the landscape around work and fulfillment has changed so much this past decade. How can business executives navigate these complexities, ensure their team feels fulfilled, take care of clients, and grow their company? In this episode, Morton Wealth CEO Jeff Sarti and COO & CMO Stacey McKinnon reflect on the evolution of our firm, shar...

While it can be fun to daydream about your improved home, it can get surprisingly costly to execute - financially and emotionally. With increasing production and labor costs, people are spending 60% more on home renovations now than in 2020.  In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Joe Seetoo and Kevin Rex share their personal experiences with renovations and discuss strategies to mitigate remodeling c...

Making decisions around your finances can be overwhelming, with countless ways to make mistakes along the way. But what are the most common and costly money errors you should avoid? In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Patrice Bening and Beau Wirick open up about their personal experiences and reveal the three biggest financial missteps they wish they'd never made—so you can learn from their pa...

Did you know that two-thirds of high-net-worth Americans who work with a financial advisor own a second home? The one-third who don't already may be considering it... but, there are some crucial questions to ask before anyone should start scrolling through Zillow. What are the pros and cons of owning a second property? What are the nuances of renting or keeping it solely for personal use, and...

Do you spend too much? Too little? Just right? Answering this question is more complicated than it might sound. In this session, Morton advisors will help attendees bucket their spending into areas that are most meaningful to them and their lifestyles. For example, how much spending should go toward your memory bank vs. bank account? There are dozens of spending decisions we make on a daily basis,...