Great Points

On today's episode Matt interviews Rob Famulare, Chef and Manager of multiple restaurants in California.  If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with Matts questions: Episode #3: Is my 401k the best place for me to save Episode #8: When should I pay off my mortgage Episode #10: Am I Saving Enough for the Future?

On todays episode Matt discusses the perspective of some retirees through write in questions.    If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with this episode: Episode #11: Mistakes People Make When Inheriting Money Episode #16: We May Be Leaving our Kids a Million Dollars

 Thank you to Katie Boucher for joining me on Great Points this week and providing some great questions.  If you like what you hear, consider checking out the following episodes on some of the topics we covered with Katie's questions: episode 4, season 1 where I go into more detail on the decision to upgrade your home. episode 2, season 1 where I cover the power of compounding growth for long...

Today Matt is going to interview Laurie LaBrie, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, of Integrated HR.  https://www.integratedhrteam.com/

On todays episode Matt interviews Emma Buckley, Great Points newest hire and a recent college graduate.

Today Matt is going to interview Jesse DeBenedictis, owner and CEO of Works by JD.  https://worksbyjd.com/

After 24 episodes I thought it would be helpful to highlight some of the key topics that I have shared over the last 6 months that hopefully has helped listeners to make more confident financial decisions.

Many have heard the saying "There are 2 certainties in Life, Death, and Taxes" and both are topics that people like to avoid talking about.  However not talking about them does not solve any problems it just increases the odds of future conflict.  In this episode, we will discuss how to approach sensitive financial planning concepts across generations and provide some possible conversati...

Most people consider the funds they put into their 401k untouchable until retirement.  In most cases that is the right approach to allow the funds to grow tax-deferred and to benefit from long-term market growth.  However there are times when cash flow is tight, liquidity is limited and the month-to-month stress of meeting financial obligations can be high.  In times like this if you have a 6-figu...

It is not uncommon for a client to inherit a home from a parent or close relative that may not have had children of their own.  In many cases, they already own a home of their own and they ask me what they should do with a second home.  In this episode, we will discuss the options to consider when inheriting a home and the pros and cons of each option. 

If you work for a publicly-traded company you may have the option to buy your company stock.  Often times a portion of your bonus or 401k match can be tied to company stock.  The question is what should you do with it? In this episode, we will discuss how company stock can fit into an overall plan and how to avoid some common mistakes when it comes to company stock ownership. 

Every client I have worked with has personal challenges and roadblocks that they need to deal with, however overall they are fortunate for their financial position in life.  If you have ever had the feeling that you are fortunate for what you have and would like to give back then this is the episode for you.  The 1st question most clients ask is can I afford to be charitable.  The next obstacle is...

If you have been employed for any stretch of time you have probably had to deal with this topic and the impending panic that can follow.  In this episode we will discuss some ideas to reduce the stress and be proactive in your planning for unpredictable events such as being laid off. 

For many parents who have worked hard, saved some money for retirement, and paid down their mortgage it is not uncommon to have a net worth over a million dollars without feeling like you have a lot of money.  Despite the feeling, with this type of net worth, decent social security income sources, and a modest lifestyle it is likely there will be some funds left over for your heirs.  I get a numbe...

Empty nesters looking for a change, elderly parents aging in place, college grads struggling to launch, a global pandemic that has kept families apart. All of these factors have created a dialogue with regards to flexible housing options to accommodate a multi-generational audience.  With that in mind, I have invited a guest, Maura Allard, to lend her expertise and experience to the discussion.

One asset that is not always discussed in a financial plan is one’s health and well-being.  In today’s episode, we will discuss the cost/benefit of proactively investing in your health from eating habits, lifestyle choices and exercise, and training options. To help with the discussion, I have invited an expert in the field to lend his expertise and useful tools to develop your approach to investi...

You just returned from your favorite vacation spot and are back at work on Zillow, checking out what you could buy in the area.  If this sounds familiar, this is an episode for you.  I will discuss common conversations with clients regarding the idea of buying a 2nd home and the affordability and practicality of the idea.  I will also address common mistakes people make when jumping into a 2nd hom...

Episode Description: With 2 children hoping to go to college, a mortgage, and both parents working many individuals and couples question if they need life insurance, do they have enough and what types are the right ones.  There is no magic figure or one size fits all formula for determining your insurance needs.  In this episode, I will cover some ways to assess your insurance needs and how to avo...

Receiving a financial benefit, whether it be ten thousand or one million dollars, due to the death of a loved one is often a more challenging financial situation than people think.  In this episode, we are going to talk about some of the mistakes that people tend to make when learning about a possible inheritance and some strategies to help make effective decisions during an emotional time.  

Many people I talk to are concerned they are not saving enough for the future or they want to know how they are doing compared to their peers.  In this episode, we will discuss the importance and urgency for savings, how to recognize the various ways you may already be saving, and some creative approaches to increasing your long term savings rate.

Understanding how to use and manage debt can be a powerful tool in your financial plan.  However, there are many detours that can lead you down the wrong path.  In this episode, we will discuss the concept of good debt vs bad debt, ways to avoid too much debt, and approaches to reducing your debt if you are already in the soup!

Over the last 9 months, most Americans have been unable to spend as much as they normally would on discretionary items like travel, dining, and entertainment.  If you were fortunate enough to maintain your earnings potential it is likely you have some extra money in savings - the question I get as an advisor is “Should I put some of this toward the mortgage”  In this episode, we will discuss the p...