Connecting the Dollars by Propel Financial Advisors

The Listener Edition: $600 Reporting Triggers, Debt Ceilings, and Letting Go of Sentimental InvestmentsWe answer three listener questions in this episode:1. What's the deal with the $600 limit on digital payment platforms like Venmo? 2. Should I change any of my investments because of the debt ceiling? 3. How do I handle investments that have sentimental value? Find additional resources at  Connec...

Amanda and Emily are joined by fellow advisor David Vaught, CFA, to discuss our current economic environment and the record inflows into money market funds in 2023. We discuss: - The pros and cons of using money market funds; - The types of risks to consider when choosing investment products for your cash, particularly reinvestment risk; and - The importance of staying optimistic in today's econom...

Amanda and Emily celebrate Earth Day with a discussion around green investing, which has started to become synonymous with ESG investing. We discuss: What does ESG investing really mean; How did ESG investments perform in 2022 compared to other investments?; ESG investing in the political crosshairs and the implications; and How Propel incorporates ESG investing for our clients. Correction: Note t...

Even though we just wrapped up the 2022 tax season, it's time to get started on planning for 2023 taxes. In this episode, Emily and Amanda discuss several things to keep an eye on throughout the year so that there are no surprises next spring.   connectingthedollars.com  

In this episode, Emily & Amanda discuss several ways to evaluate financial advisors before you decide to hire them. The recent Madoff documentary on Netflix, reminded us how easy it can be for investors to be taken advantage of. We want everyone to be aware of the research tools and simple questions to ask that can help you determine the best advisor for you.   www.connectingthedollars.com

In this episode, Emily and Amanda discuss how to budget for a new pet in your life.   Links and Resources - Connectingthedollars.com

In this episode, Emily tells the story of working in a hardware store where customers who bought the cheapest hammer invariably returned to buy the nicer, costlier version. Emily and Amanda go on to dive deeper into how to evaluate the true cost of what we buy. They discuss how the concept applies to investments, and cover the pros and cons of indexes versus using more active investments. Sometime...

In this episode, Emily and Amanda discuss their financial resolutions for the year. They discuss why utilizing a Roth and Tax Planning should be on your list. Listener question! In this episode we answer: "How should I plan for doing taxes for the first time?"   Links and Resources - connectingthedollars.com

Emily & Amanda get into the practical side of estate planning. We know most Americans don't have their affairs in order, but where can you start? They discuss easy and practical steps you can take today to begin the process. Listener question! In this episode we answer: "How much life insurance do I need?"   www.connectingthedollars.com

In this episode, advisor Danielle Woods joins Emily and Amanda to discuss the new tax and retirement-savings law called SECURE ACT 2.0 passed in December of 2022. Find out how these new provisions impact your savings and tax-planning strategies.    www.connectingthedollars.com

In this episode, Emily & Amanda discuss six money habits to break in 2023: 1. Constantly checking your portfolio's value 2. Downplaying the risk of cybercrime 3. Making minimum payments on your credit card 4. Procrastinating on your taxes 5. Putting expenses on autopilot 6. Postponing joy Today's episode was inspired by this article in AARP:  6 Money Habits to Break in 2023 connectingthedollars.co...

This is an Encore Episode previously released on 11/30/2021. Amanda and Danielle discuss different types of savings accounts including 401ks, Roth IRAs and taxable savings/brokerage accounts. They breakdown the potential tax consequences of each type of account and emphasize the importance of saving and planning in order to meet your future goals.   Links and resources can be found at  www.connect...

This is a replay of episode #6 originally published on 12/29/21. In this episode, Emily and Amanda discuss the history and different types of Social Values Investing. Amanda gives an in-depth review of how to incorporate your own values into your investment portfolio and the importance of research before doing so.  All links and resources can be found at www.connectingthedollars.com

Join us for our season one finale episode on the current state of international markets.  We’ve revealed our own domestic bias by generally sticking to the US stock markets on our podcast. Join us as we delve deeper into international markets and how Propel Financial Advisors approaches investments globally. Amanda is joined by fellow advisor and CFA, David Vaught, who discuss: ·         How inter...

In light of the recent announcement of a debt jubilee on student loans, Emily & Amanda decided it was time to dig into how we think about debt, both individually and as financial advisors. We discuss: Psychological factors that factor into decision-making around debt; Creating a plan to pay off your debt; Examining your behavior to prevent going back into debt; Prioritizing paying off debt vs savi...

In this summer’s hit show “The Bear”, a young chef comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a death in the family. The restaurant he inherits is plagued with financial issues, causing unneeded stress on top of an already tense situation. The show provides a great jumping off point for Emily and Amanda to discuss various financial issues that plague all small business owners. Ove...

In lieu of hosting a webinar this quarter, Emily, Amanda, and David recorded a special midyear analysis. They reflect on events in the markets so far this year, as well as how we're thinking looking forward. Video version: https://youtu.be/9PCAX0c8f6Y Links and resources: connectingthedollars.com

Emily & Amanda talk all things bonds interspersed with some "bond" trivia. Highlights include, why you should care about the bond market, what is a bond and what are the different types, and performance and taxation of bonds.    Links & Resources at www.connectingthedollars.com

Emily & Amanda talk about: Media stories on how other people spend their money, and whether they are valuable or just click bait, Why you should be wary of your sources of free financial advice, and How keeping a Money Diary might help you reach your savings goals. Links and Resources - www.connectingthedollars.com  

This episode was recorded in January of 2022. Recent legal and tax changes impact the way you should be saving for retirement. For most people, their 401(k) becomes a traditional IRA via a rollover when they retire.  So, if most of your savings is in a traditional 401(k) plan, this is for you! www.connectingthedollars.com

Emily & Amanda are joined by advisor David Vaught, CFA. We discuss the rising inflation rates, the Fed’s response, and how all of this affects our investment portfolios.    All links and resources can be found here: www.connectingthedollars.com

In celebration of Earth Day, Amanda is hosting a webinar on the ways you can incorporate environmental values into your investment portfolio. She will be joined by Gabe Rissman, Co-Founder of YourStake. Register here - https://propelfinancialadvisors.com/celebrate-earth-day-every-day-in-your-investment-portfolio

Emily & Amanda discuss the pros and cons of buying residential real estate. The key takeaway? Buying a home may be an aspiration (or necessity) for many, but don't think of it as an investment. All links and resources can be found at www.connectingthedollars.com

Emily & Amanda open the episode with our recommendation of the book Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills. We then get into a discussion on tax refunds. First, we recommend tax planning in order to minimize your refund for next year. Then, look to your money personality to help decide what's best for you. Links at  www.connectingthedollars.com

Emily and Amanda discuss various arguments against jumping into crypto. With all the buzz surrounding crypto, we are getting more and more questions about how to navigate it. The key is to find reliable and neutral sources for research that is not pushed by people who are trying to sell it.   Resources can be found at www.connectingthedollars.com