Check Your Balances

This week we're diving into the big questions we think you should be asking. We break down the latest rumblings around SALT deduction changes and what they could mean for your tax bill. Then, we pivot to the ever-shifting housing market, and whether you should bite off a bigger purchase for better schools. And finally, is a recession really on the horizon? We analyze the economic tea leaves a...

What do you do when the numbers tell a different story than your gut? This episode tackles a common planner's dilemma: how to help clients truly believe their financial plan when the data clearly shows they'll be okay. We'll explore if it's about our planning approach, or the deeper issue of trusting the data itself. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to che...

Want a fun and engaging way to talk about money with your partner? This episode of Check Your Balances explores how "Would You Rather...?" style finance questions can be a fantastic tool for uncovering each other's financial values and perspectives. We'll show you how these playful scenarios can lead to richer, more meaningful conversations and ultimately strengthen your financ...

On this episode of Check Your Balances, we're putting replacement ratios in the hot seat! Is this financial fortune-telling or just lazy math? We'll ask the tough questions: Are they the ultimate shortcut to a comfy retirement, or a recipe for financial disaster served up with a side of wishful thinking? Get ready for a lively debate as we uncover the truth behind these so-called rules o...

Stop wondering what to do with that extra paycheck, bonus, or side hustle income! "Save vs. Splurge" empowers you to make confident financial decisions that align with your values and goals. We explore the art of balancing saving for a secure future with enjoying the present moment. Learn how to make your extra cash work harder for you, whether it's paying down debt, investing wisel...

Have you ever wondered why you'd use a money market or a CD instead of a high yield savings account? Are you concerned about battling it out with a sibling over an inheritance? If so, this week's mailbag episode is for you! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram

Should you even try to hedge a single position inside an index fund? What happens when you spot a single stock within your broad market index that looks seriously overvalued? We'll weigh the costs, complexities, and potential benefits against simpler, more effective risk management approaches for index fund investors. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances...

The headlines are screaming about tariffs and trade wars, but what does it all mean for your wallet? In this episode of Check Your Balances, we break down the "Tariff Tantrum" and explore how these international trade spats could impact business and ultimately your portfolio. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Ins...

It's March Madness, but make it money ! This week, we're pitting the biggest personal finance debates against each other in a head-to-head bracket showdown. From "Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche" to "Roth vs. Traditional IRA," which financial strategies will reign supreme? Tune in for the ultimate financial face-off and level up your money game! Send us Fan Mail Send your...

What if you had access to capital, but it cost you some of the upside value of your home? This week Ross and Dan explore a product that they were recently introduced to and look at what situations it makes sense for. Like most exotic lending options, this one can be really dangerous if not used correctly! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @chec...

Ever wonder if all those market buzzwords—overvalued, undervalued, fear, greed—are just dressed-up ways to say "time the market"? In a world where it's easy to get spooked by the news and want to sit on the sidelines, let's get real about market timing. Let's break down the concept of market timing and discuss how to navigate the market with clarity. This episode is on You...

Warren Buffett's annual letter is a must-read for investors. Join us as we break down the key takeaways from his 2024 missive, exploring his insights on the economy, Berkshire Hathaway's performance, and of course , his enduring love for equities. Is his wisdom still relevant in today's market? We'll discuss that and more on this episode. Find us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VV...

This week's Mailbag episode has great listener questions about whether rolling money back into a 401(K) is worth it for backdoor Roth IRA contributions, how to withhold taxes for a small business, and whether you can actually have too much money in your 401(K) plan.  Send us your questions to be featured on an upcoming mailbag episode! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to...

Are your RSUs a golden ticket to financial freedom or just a confusing piece of your compensation package?  This week, we demystify Restricted Stock Units and show you how to turn them into a powerful wealth-building tool.  Learn how to navigate vesting schedules, understand the tax implications, and develop a smart strategy for managing your RSUs.  Don't leave money on the table – tune in an...

In a world where everyone from the car finance office to an insurance salesperson calls themselves a "Financial Advisor" what can advisors actually provide? Do you have to have your money managed, or can they simply act as a consultant? Tune int his week for Ross and Dan's take on a listener question about what advisors can actually offer. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for up...

Your money personality plays a bigger role in your financial success than you might think. In this episode, Ross and Dan introduce a framework of four distinct money personalities. Learn how to identify your own archetype and understand how it impacts your saving, investing, and overall financial well-being. We'll also discuss strategies for leveraging your strengths and mitigating your weakn...

This week Jesse Cramer of the Best Interest Blog and Podcast joins the show to talk about how different advisors can approach the same decision of getting to where we need to go. Join us for a fun conversation about Jesse's journey and how we all approach the vehicle decisions. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pShIUwiYJTM Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to c...

We kick off 2025 with an update on a few of the key things you might want to update heading into the new year and then move into a discussion about asset location. Are your growth assets in the right buckets? Are your safe assets in the right buckets? We give our current thoughts on how to think about it. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @chec...

If you had the money to buy a home outright, would you still take a mortgage at our current rates? This week's episode dives into the pros and cons of whether it makes sense to borrow money or invest based on the current landscape. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram

This time of year we think a lot about gift giving. But what about the gifts you truly don't want? We don't mean a bad neck tie or macaroni art, but maybe one that costs you thousands of dollars just to maintain... tune in this week for our discussion about how to avoid inheriting a timeshare. Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checky...

This month's mailbag episode is a super-sized catch-up! We're diving deep into your burning questions about personal finance. From the ins and outs of taxes on gifts to strategies for supercharging your retirement savings, we've got you covered. Tune in to hear our expert insights and practical advice. This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Atb7blHB7wY Send us Fan Mail Send yo...

Confused about capital gains tax and whether you should be selling stocks before the end of the year? In this episode, we break down the basics of capital gains tax and discuss the factors to consider when deciding whether to sell your stocks before year end.  This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5ME5uG-Ny0 Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outloo...

This week Ross and Dan celebrate their 200th episode of Check Your Balances with a lighthearted reflective episode of the journey up to this point. We appreciate each and every one of you, whether you've listened to a single segment or every single episode of the show up to this point. Happy Thanksgiving! Send us Fan Mail Send your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com...

When financial decisions matter most, you need strong arguments to consider. This week episode brings you a lighthearted debate on 5 financial topics: - How relevant is net worth as a metric?  - Should I just invest in the S&P 500 and stop overthinking it? - Do you really need an emergency fund before investing? - Is the FIRE movement good for personal finance? - Should you have a side hustle...

As we celebrate our Veterans this week, we got a great listener questions about what unique benefits our Veterans have access to. We also answer questions about whether high earners should consider a 529 for themselves to gain access to a Roth IRA.  Our apologies for the late post, we were having technical difficulties! This episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IP_b-5Ea5VY Send us Fan Mail Send...