Connecting the Dollars by Propel Financial Advisors

In this episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss key tax law changes under the OB3 Act, focusing on the new senior deduction. They explain the eligibility for new deductions for those 65 and older starting in 2025, in addition to the existing deductions. The episode also covers phase-out income ranges, adjustments to tax withholdings, and changes to other tax credi...

Hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto clarify misconceptions about 'no tax on tips' and 'no tax on overtime' policies, emphasizing that payroll taxes still apply. They discuss the qualifications, deductions, and phase-outs pertinent to both employees and self-employed individuals in tipped industries. The episode also covers nuances of overtime pay deductions, the importance of meticulous record-ke...

In this episode of Connecting the Dollars, hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss essential money habits to break in 2026. They address the volatility of midterm election years and advise against constantly checking portfolio values. The importance of taking cybercrime seriously, maintaining emergency savings, and avoiding debt are also key topics. Additionally, they highlight the benefits o...

Warren Buffett just released his final letter as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on November 10th, 2025. On today’s episode of “Connecting the Dollars,” Emily Agosto, Amanda Vaught, and special guest David Vaught break down what it means for shareholders, the company, and the future of Berkshire. From changes in his philanthropy plan, to the gradual handoff to Greg Abel, to his reflection on past manage...

In this episode of 'Connecting the Dollars,' hosts Amanda Vaught, MA, JD, and Emily Agosto, CPA, delve into the impact of the recent 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OB3) on SALT (State and Local Tax) deductions. They discuss the significant increase in the SALT cap deduction for 2025, which rises to $40,000 before phasing out between $500,000 and $600,000 of MAGI for married joint filers. They also...

Ready to unlock deeper insights into how you relate to money? On our latest episode of “Connecting the Dollars,” Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught revisit the concept of money personalities—and what understanding yours can mean for your financial well-being. Whether you identify with Money Avoidance, Money Vigilance, Money Worship, or Money Status, recognizing these behaviors is a key step toward sha...

This week on the Connecting the Dollars podcast, co-hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto (a CPA and drummer in two Chicago bands!) dove deep into the financial realities of being a musician or band member.

Are you truly diversified? In the latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, we dig into concentration risk in today’s market—and why even a broad index fund may be less diversified than it looks. As discussed by hosts Emily Agosto, CPA, and Amanda Vaught, JD, traditional wisdom says index funds are an easy route to diversification. But with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq heavily weighted in just a han...

Retirement Curveballs: Prepare for Job Loss and Forced Early Retirement “Connecting the Dollars” podcast episode dives into a tough reality: most retirement plans don’t go exactly as imagined. Recent stats show that while 50% expect to ease into part-time work or consulting as they retire, only 19% actually manage that smooth transition.  www.connectingthedollars.com

Thinking about renting out your home or investing in rental property? On the latest episode of "Connecting the Dollars," we tackle the not-so-glamorous side of being a landlord. From legal liabilities and tax surprises to the true time commitment, there’s a lot to consider before taking the plunge. www.connectingthedollars.com

On the latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, co-hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto dive deep into the ever-evolving bond market— spotlighting the insights of leading women in finance, and discussing why bonds matter to ALL of us. ww.connectingthedollars.com

On the latest episode of “Connecting the Dollars,” co-hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto sat down to break down the newsworthy 2025 tax bill proposals currently making waves in Congress. www.connectingthedollars.com

Co-hosts Emily and Amanda highlight the real-world benefits and dispel some common myths around college savings plans. Did you know only about 35% of eligible families actually use college savings vehicles like 529s? www.connectingthedollars.com

Looking for a practical mid-year financial check-in? In our latest "Connecting the Dollars" podcast episode, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto shared actionable tips for staying on top of your budget—without the hassle of tracking every penny. www.connectingthedollars.com

As financial advisors, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto often see families focus only on the sticker price of daycare or a nanny—but there’s so much more to consider.

In the latest episode of the “Connecting the Dollars” podcast, Amanda Vaught and guest David Vaught CFA dive deep into Warren Buffett’s 2025 Berkshire Hathaway annual letter. If you’re keen on strategy, leadership, or simply fascinated by Buffett’s approach, this episode is a must-listen.

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto dive deep into the upcoming tax law changes for 2025. If you're keen on staying informed about what might happen with 401(k) plans, IRAs, and more, this episode is a must-listen.

Dive into the latest episode as co-hosts Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught unravel the intricacies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how they are shaping the corporate world today. This insightful discussion provides a deep dive into real-world applications and impacts of DEI. Key Takeaways: • Financial Motivation Behind DEI: While many perceive DEI initiatives as politically...

Reflections on 2024 Markets: What We Learned Connecting the Dollars Episode 60 We dive deep into the financial trends and insights from the past year. Join Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught as they explore the dynamic shifts in the economy and provide valuable lessons for investors moving forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Economic Predictions vs. Reality: Throughout 2024, many anticipated a re...

In a recent episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discussed the significant impact that natural disasters, like the ongoing California wildfires, have on personal finances. Here's what we explored:  Vigilant Charity: In times of disaster, it's essential to ensure your donations are going to vetted charities. Be aware of fraudulent activities and choose reputable organiz...

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss how our 2024 resolutions shaped up and set our sights on new goals for 2025. Here are three key takeaways: Accountability Matters: Amanda found that setting a reading goal and using Goodreads for tracking helped her stay on course. This method, she notes, can spill over into financial goals – having accountabil...

Major life events are great times to get personalized financial advice. Emily & Amanda believe that ongoing quality financial advice can have a greater impact than merely seeking advice for one-off events. There is a big difference between getting the advice and actually implementing it. Time stamps 3:45 Planning for retirement 6:40 Trusting in professional advice 8:49 Hiring a tax professiona...

Holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, it's also a time where we see a significant increase in financial frauds. Emily & Amanda discuss some common frauds they see when working with clients. They also provide tips on how to prevent and stop them in advance. We wish you a joyous, scam-free holiday with your family and friends.   www.connectingthedollars.com

It's Halloween season, so Emily & Amanda take this opportunity to discuss personal finances of one of their favorite scary movie tropes - haunted houses. Time stamps 2:12 Inspection and appraisal 3:55 Check your insurance coverage 5:40 What if your spouse is the one to inherit? 9:40 Lessons from The Shining 13:14 How to Sell a Haunted House