Dollar Wise Podcast

This year, students and their families will notice significant changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. We'll review these changes and how they can impact families navigating college funding. Key topics include the reporting of student income, business and farm assets, retirement plan contributions, and the implications of having multiple children in college. Jason...

Bitcoin has made a comeback in the last few weeks with the SEC's recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs. So, what does this mean for investors? Jason explains the implications of the Bitcoin ETFs, their accessibility for average investors, and the impact of this development on the value of Bitcoin while evaluating the risks regarding your investment strategy. He also discusses the broader context of inve...

So, how did 2023 end up?  According to the news or social media, the economy and the average person are worse off than ever. In this episode, Jason and Catherine refute that notion with real-world data and examples, and provide a balanced perspective on current economic conditions, including inflation, the GDP, and the growth of personal net worth in the U.S. Tune into this episode to also le...

Welcome to a festive edition of the Dollar Wise podcast! Jason Gabrieli and Catherine Allen-Carlozo, both Certified Financial Planners at HFM Investment Advisors, delve into the latest world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)stocks. Tune in to hear them discuss the recent trends of investing in AI and the massive influx of AI-related companies. You will explore the risks, opportunities, and misconcep...

Jason Gabrieli is joined by recurring guest Bill Webb from Saratoga Medicare Advisors to dive into the topic of Medicare. They recognize that Medicare can be a complex subject and often misunderstood, leading to surprises regarding coverage. Jason and Bill aim to provide valuable insights and dispel misconceptions about Medicare. They start by breaking down the different parts of Medicare, explori...

Whatever happened to that old 401(k) at your first job? Today, learn how to manage old employer retirement plans. Throughout this episode, gain insight into the various paths you can take with accrued retirement balances from past employment ventures. Jason reviews the options available to you, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each to aid you in making informed choices regarding your retir...

Would it ever make sense to sell your house for a few bucks? Jason Gabrielli dives into the world of estate planning, specifically focusing on the ownership of your house. Jason addresses a common misconception about selling your house to your kids for a low price, debunking the idea that it can help avoid taxes. He explains the federal estate tax exemption and the absence of estate tax in New Jer...

Jason Gabrieli zeroes in on a topic he often discusses with clients: investing for the younger generation in your family. Jason reviews the options available to you as a parent, grandparent, or guardian to begin fostering a secure financial future for them. Jason reviews several options, including accounts available under a custodian's supervision, individual or joint investment accounts, and, of...

HFM is shining the spotlight on the crucial topics of elder law planning and life care planning. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Jason Gabrieli is joined by Brittany Tedesco, Esq. from Bratton Law Estate and Elder Attorneys, a seasoned expert in the field,  guides listeners through the various aspects and timelines associated with these services. The conversation centers around the practical side...

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Registered Social Security Analyst Catherine Allen-Carlozo sits with Jack McGee to delve into the world of social security and retirement planning. They emphasize the value of informed decision-making when it comes to social security benefits and retirement age. The discussion centers around exploring various options and strategies to maximize social security earnin...

Although the two might be used interchangeably, rich and wealthy have two meanings in financial planning. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS Jason Gabrieli and Catherine Allen-Carlozo discuss the importance of saving, building wealth, and aligning spending with financial goals. They emphasize the role of net worth and assets in achieving financial freedom, dispel the belief that wealth is only about lif...

On this episode of Dollar Wise, Jason Gabrieli and Catherine Allen Carlozo dive into the topic of gold as an investment. Recent events like COVID-19 and stock market fluctuations have made people lose faith in their sources of security, leading to increased demand for gold investment. However, investing in gold should only be done with moderation and should be evaluated in terms of where it fits i...

The real estate market is as competitive as ever, even for the most qualified buyers. And if you’re like most people and need to place contingencies in your offer, such as needing to sell your home first or getting approved for a mortgage, the seller would incur greater risks with you and so they would likely choose a cash offer instead. Thomas Bickett from AnnieMac Home Mortgage joins Jason to di...

Summary   College is one of the biggest investments a family might make. But, most families jump in head first without understanding the true cost of college or calculating the potential return on investment. This episode is about how to make wise investment decisions when it comes to your child’s education, the resources available to parents and students, and alternative options besides coll...

2022 was a rough year for investors. And when the market becomes challenged, people begin to feel intimidated and might look to put their money elsewhere. And yes, investing involves risk, but don't stick your head in the sand and think relying on bank interest will be enough to reach your goals because, historically, you will lose to inflation over the long term. Jason and Tyler review market tur...

With recent banking collapses and interest rates still at recent highs, understanding the right place for your cash is more important than ever. In this episode, we discuss different options for cash while maximizing its value and protection. We’ll explore alternatives to bank accounts like money market funds and treasury bills. By comparing various cash management strategies, you'll gain insights...

Summary You’ve probably clicked on an article or watched a video predicting how the stock market will perform - but are they ever right? We examine some predictions from top financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Bank of America for 2022 and how they actually turned out and discuss whether it ever makes sense to make investment decisions based on predictions or forecasts. Tune i...

It can be quite tempting to pick a fast and inexpensive car or home insurance provider online and call it a day…but, what are the risks? We discuss what your car or home insurance should cover, so it doesn't cost you down the line and end up being an expensive mistake. Shayna Carnevale from Comparion Insurance joins us to shed light on what really makes up safe and legitimate auto insurance and ho...

You’re probably not going to read the Secure Act 2.0’s ~100 provisions, so we’re telling you the top 5 things you need to know about it even if you’re not retiring. The act is being phased into implementation from 2023 - 2033, we’ll let you know the key dates you need to keep in mind.  Tune into this episode to also learn:  How the Secure Act 2.0 will affect you  When key aspects of...

It’s stressful when interest rates go up - you can afford less and your home and car payments go up. But, there is a way to use high interest rates to grow your cash and net worth. We discuss how to make high interest rates serve you rather than scare you.  Tune into this episode to also learn:  Should you put money in an online bank? Best way to protect yourself against inflation How to...

You already know that markets are declining so much that we are in bear market territory. But, what’s the right thing to do? Stop investing? Sell the stock you have? Will the market come back soon?  We answer the key questions on your mind about the 2022 market crash and share 4 ways you can make and save money during this market downturn.  Tune into this episode to learn:  Tips to...

You’ve probably heard about credit unions before. But, do you know what they are and why you’d ever join one instead of a traditional bank? That’s what we discuss with Daniel Sulpizio in this episode. Find out how a credit union can potentially save you a lot of money and make your finances simpler and more streamlined.   Daniel Sulpizio is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Off...

What is real estate investing actually like? How much does it really cost to start? What do you need to know to create a lucrative deal? Learn from a real estate investor and CPA Frank Anastasi, who started investing in properties in 2020 and now has the real estate business down to a science. Get a realistic point of view that you won’t find on google.   Tune into this episode to learn: &nbs...

We have become constantly stressed. We are no longer in fight or flight mode just at the gym, we are in fight or flight mode just before bed. Stress is depleting us and taking away our ability to make the most out of our bodies for the rest of our lives. Mike Blaylock and Jason discuss how you can stay fit and active for the rest of your life by doing simple things like learning how to breathe bet...

Social security might be your largest asset in retirement, but how long will it last? And how can you increase the amount of money you receive when you retire? When you don’t know what you’re entitled to, you might be leaving more money on the table than you think. Catherine from HFM Investment Advisors and Martha Shedden, a social security expert and educator, have a conversation about what you m...