Five Minute Finance

Legit Money Laundering: After-Tax 401k Contributions  Are we really talking about money laundering in a financial advice podcast? Yes, but it is completely legit and could give you an extra $25k/year! This week Matt and I explored a unique and powerful strategy for maximizing savings and potential earnings: After-Tax 401k contributions. The short story involves using your taxable brokerage account...

It’s that time of year when we all swear we are going to get to the gym more often, eat healthier, limit our time on social media, and make a better effort to stay in touch with family and friends. Looking ahead feels good, but how many times have you set those goals only to have abandoned them by January 31st?  In this year-end review episode, Matt Robison and I discuss looking back before you lo...

IRAs: They can make you want to rollover Host Matt Robison asks me this week about his rollover IRA. In an enlightening episode for us both, you will learn the ins and outs of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) including the different types, rollovers, and the strategic moves you can make to optimize the tax benefits of these accounts. While I’d have thought the answers were all in the name, it...

If you’ve been a listener to this podcast for some time, you are likely well aware of the things to look for when hiring a financial planner.  However, your friends may not be.  If the topic of finances comes up, do the right thing: educate your friends and family on how to find a good advisor. What happens when you don't help your friends and family I recently had a client who came to me with a c...

10 Year-End Financial Moves  As the year draws to a close, it's crucial to take a closer look at your finances and ensure you're getting the most out of 2023. In this podcast episode, we've compiled a checklist of 10 financial considerations that can make a significant impact on your overall financial well-being. Listen to Matt and I discuss the following checklist (it is far more entertaining in...

Not your Father’s Personality Test This week, Matt and I are joined by Registered Life Planner and former guest Andrea Miller, to delve into the fascinating world of Sparketypes. You’ve probably heard of the Myers-Briggs personality test developed in the 1920’s or the DISC assessment that followed two decades later, but the Sparketype tool is the first to come along in almost a century designed to...

The 60/40 401k Portfolio is Dead! 😯 Are you one of the many who set up a 60/40 stock-bond split in your retirement portfolio, thinking it was the golden ticket to a worry-free retirement? Well, think again. Recent market events have signaled a paradigm shift, leaving the classic 60/40 401k portfolio gasping for breath. The Rise and Fall of the Classic Portfolio According to the Wall Street Journa...

Cut the Cord on Cable and Streaming Services  In the fast-paced world of entertainment, where streaming services have become the norm, the decision to cut the cord and bid farewell to traditional cable TV has become a common topic of discussion. But what about all those streaming services? The three-month free trial ends and suddenly you are paying $70/month to watch curling matches in some o...

Ongoing Pain in the Costs You’ve done the math, compared the options, and finally settled into your dream home. Or perhaps you’ve acquired that sleek, new car you always wanted. You know the one-time fee, but do you truly understand the ongoing cost? It's easy to overlook the continuous financial and time investments required for the maintenance of your possessions. Join Matt Robison and I this we...

 “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” - Anonymous You’re organized, right? You made an estate plan…set-up guardians for your kids, named beneficiaries in your will. Everything will go as smooth as butter should you meet your ultimate demise, yes? Maybe, but maybe not. The best way to ensure everything goes according to your plans is to get organized. Creating an assets and liabi...

What if I told you that you could be paying thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes every year on your savings? You might think I have some savvy financial trick up my sleeve to save you from Uncle Sam, but the opposite is actually true. In this episode, it's all about the basics. Basic account types, that is: The Three Musketeers : Taxable, Tax Deferred, and Tax Free   Taxable Accounts: Th...

Traditional vs. Roth 401k - Which is truly better?   This week Matt Robison and I put the Traditional 401k and the Roth 401k in a head-to-head battle of the retirement accounts. If you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you are well aware of what a 401k account is a tax-advantaged way to help fund your retirement. Just in case you need a refresher, a 401k, or 401(k), is a retirement...

Three Advanced Strategies for the 529 Education Account Want to supercharge your savings? Look no further than 529 Education Savings Plans! If you're intrigued by the idea of making the most of your 529 accounts, I have just the podcast for you. This week Matt Robison and I discuss three advanced strategies that can help you get the most out of these versatile financial tools.   Use a 529 to...

When it comes to saving for education, 529 accounts have long been a go-to option for many families. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to set aside funds for educational expenses, and any earnings within the account grow tax-free. While they have been traditionally associated with saving for college, Congress has recently expanded the horizons of 529 accounts, making them an even more versat...

In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves living life on autopilot, following a checklist of societal expectations without truly examining what brings us fulfillment and joy. The recent trend of prioritizing external achievements over internal well-being is leaving many feeling drained and disconnected from their true desires. In this week’s episode, I chat with Registered Life Planne...

Have some extra cash? Wondering if you should put it toward your mortgage? Join Matt Robison and I this week as we delve into the answer to this FAQ. It’s not as simple as you might think. Why? Because why you shouldn’t is equally as compelling as why you should work to pay down that debt.  By the Numbers Let’s start with the basics. From a strictly mathematical perspective, it usually doesn’...

Ah, estate planning. Such a fun exercise. No one wants to think about the end, but we will all smile , so we might as well plan for it. In this week's podcast, join Matt Robison and I as we explore the importance of planning for your golden years, the ones filled with activity, those that slow down, and even the ones where you may need extra care. Some of the ideas discussed in this podcast come f...

This week, Matt Robison and I discuss the concept of being aggressive in your investment strategy, especially when you have time on your side.  Over a 40-year period, historical data shows that investing $10,000 in the U.S. stock market could grow to an impressive $650,000, assuming an average annual return of 11%. Even in the worst-case scenario over the past century, where returns were just...

Inflation has a way of eroding the purchasing power of our money over time, making it essential to plan smartly to ensure financial security. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into the intricacies of managing finances in the face of rising inflation. Most notably, we talk about the importance of aligning investment strategies with specific timeframes to make the most of your assets. What d...

In this week’s episode, Matt Robison and I dive into an often-overlooked aspect of job selection: logistics. While most people prioritize salary and job responsibilities, we emphasize the significance of considering the logistical details that contribute to job satisfaction and work-life balance. What are Job Logistics? The term "logistics" here encompasses various aspects of a job beyond the actu...

Ever wonder what’s in your index fund? Similar to reading labels in a grocery store, you are likely to find things that you either don’t recognize (erythorbic acid in your frozen blueberries??) or are surprised to find (cane sugar in jarred pasta sauce??). It would serve you well to delve deeper into the components of your investment vehicles, particularly index funds, to avoid potential pitfalls...

Join Matt Robison and I this week as we explore the idea that our individual lives may not hold significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. Don’t get disheartened, embracing the notion that your life doesn’t matter can actually be a fulfilling and liberating approach to life.  By acknowledging that our actions have minimal impact on the universe, we can prioritize our personal passions...

Rich vs. Wealthy: Do you know the difference? In today's world, the terms "rich" and "wealthy" are often used interchangeably. However, it's important to understand that there is a significant difference between the two. While being rich may imply a high salary, luxurious lifestyle, and expensive possessions, being wealthy goes beyond material abundance. In this podcast, Matt and I will explore th...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the complexities of estate planning and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing a trustee. Whether you're considering a friend, family member, or professional as your trustee, learn how to navigate the process and ensure the smooth administration of your assets. When deciding upon a trustee to oversee the manage...

Managing your finances can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to making sound investment decisions and navigating the complexities of taxes. In this podcast, Matt Robison and I tackle some common financial misunderstandings and provide insights into how you can avoid them.  1) Accounts and Investments are not one in the same You might have a backpack for hiking, but it's what’s i...