Couchside Conversations

How does our relationship with money shape our financial goals? How does the way we perceive wealth and success impact our sense of worth? Is it possible to reverse unhealthy money habits and thought patterns? In this episode live from Morton Wealth’s 2024 Investor Symposium, Modearn™ Advisors Patrice Bening, Jenn Caruso and Brittany Yudkowsky explore the complex emotions that make up your “money...

Estate and tax laws are set to expire in 2025, which may usher in new changes. Modearn™ Advisor Stacey McKinnon, Estate and Tax Attorney Brian Standing and Managing Partner of Ascend Advisors Scott Gilmore take the stage at Morton Wealth's 2024 Investor Symposium to discuss how to prepare for these potential modifications.  Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: - The tax law th...

What is the true cost of parenthood? While many people dream of expanding their family, it is important that aspiring parents fully understand the price tag on things like giving birth, childcare, education, adoption and IVF. Modearn™ advisors Beau Wirick and Stacey McKinnon discuss family planning, how personal this process is, and the importance of being aware of these costs. Here are some key t...

Money can get personal. It’s intertwined with complex emotions, relationships, lifestyle decisions and mindsets. Therefore, it can be normal for many people to avoid asking vulnerable questions about money and talking about these potentially sensitive issues with each other. That’s why Modearn™ Advisors Patrice Bening and Stacey McKinnon are here to discuss money questions we’re too embarrassed to...

Navigating life after high school looks a lot different today than it did 20 years ago. With increased academic pressure/competition and higher college application fees, aspiring college students and their families face more stress than ever before. However, many young people are also realizing that a college degree may not be absolutely necessary for a successful career. Modearn™ Advisors Patrice...

There’s more to wealth than maintaining a stable income. Financial health also includes managing your cash in strategic ways. Modearn™ Advisors Kevin Rex and Thao Truong discuss smart ways to help you balance investments and liquidity, the best accounts where you can store your cash, and how much you should save in your emergency fund for those unexpected situations. *Here are some key takeaways f...

If you’re struggling to understand your employee benefits, you’re not alone. As your career evolves, it can become increasingly complex to navigate and optimize the extra benefits that are available to you beyond just your base salary. Modearn™ Advisors Mike Rudow and Beau Wirick discuss what you should know when it comes to 401(k) plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), equity compensation, and li...

Kids are expensive. In fact, raising a child to age 18 can cost between $200,000 and $350,000- and that doesn’t even include additional expenses like extracurricular activities and private schooling. From small expenses like school supplies to larger costs like college and sports, everything adds up quickly. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™ Advisors Kevin Rex and Patrice Bening...

You’ve probably heard of the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses,” but did you know it first appeared in a comic strip back in 1913? Use of the expression became a way to refer to people who focus on comparing themselves to their neighbor. A lot has happened since then and thanks to social media, “keeping up” has been taken to a whole new level. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™...

Buying real estate feels more complex than ever in today’s market. However, investing in real estate or becoming a homebuyer is still top of mind for many people. With higher interest rates, an increasingly competitive housing market, and the rising popularity of investing in a secondary property, Modearn™ Advisors Jon Wingent and Kevin Rex are here to decode our complicated real estate landscape...

What are the main problems in the financial advisory industry? How is Morton producing solutions to these pain points? Wealth Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Beau Wirick take the stage at Morton Wealth's 2023 Investor Symposium to answer these questions. Stacey and Beau discuss the evolution of financial services from focusing on investment selection to providing holistic, client-centered advice...

Money can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households. In fact, more than 60% of parents are uncomfortable talking about money with their kids and therefore avoid having discussions around money entirely.  Our upbringing can play a large part in shaping our relationship with money and that same mindset often carries over to our kids. Some parents might even feel insecure about their current fin...

Studies show that disagreeing over money is one of the top reasons for divorce. Is it possible for couples to prevent finances from deteriorating their relationship, and instead embrace the topic of money in a healthier and more productive way? This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton Wealth’s 2023 Investor Symposium. Wealth Advisor Beau Wirick and his wife, Daniela Wirick, who is a...

How can we balance taking care of our growing children and aging parents at the same time? This is a dilemma many adults in their 40s and 50s are facing today. In fact, over 50% of individuals in this age range are feeling the pressure of being “sandwiched” between caring for a parent 65 years or older and at least one minor or adult child. This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton We...

How can we find the balance between enjoying life in the present and fulfilling our current needs, while still preparing for the future? Wealth Advisors Priscilla Brehm and Stacey McKinnon take the stage at  @morton_wealth 's 2023 Investor Symposium to discuss making wise financial decisions that maximize our joy and memories with loved ones, making sacrifices for long-term goals, identifying...

There are so many charities we can support out there but sometimes, it can feel overwhelming to choose which ones to donate our time, effort and money to. How can we pick the right organizations and give efficiently to ensure our resources are being used in the best way? This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton Wealth's 2023 Investor Symposium. Wealth Advisor Kevin Rex is joined...

Welcome to our very first episode of Couchside Conversations, a Modearn™ video series about real conversations to empower you to enjoy the experiences of today while planning for your future. All too often, we get caught up in the daily motions of work and forget the benefits of resting and traveling. In this first episode, Wealth Advisors Stacey and Kevin discuss how vacations can better one’s qu...

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....

Being your own boss comes with flexibility and freedom... but it also comes with the responsibility of figuring things out on your own. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, financial advisors Kevin Rex and Mike Rudow break down three of the most common (and expensive) mistakes they see business owners make.  Tune in if you're interested in… • Choosing the right entity structure (LLC, S...

Did you know that individuals who give to charity are more likely to feel happy, satisfied, and a higher sense of purpose? In this eye-opening episode of Couchside Conversations , financial advisors Beau Wirick and Patrice Bening explore the real meaning behind generosity, different giving styles, and how to optimize your tax strategy.   Tune in if you're interested in… • Making giving a cons...