Ditch The Suits: Financial Planning Insights Without The Sales Pitch

Ever cornered a financial advisor at a party with your burning money questions? In this episode, Travis Maus and Kerstin Driscoll-Witt unpack the hilariously awkward—and surprisingly insightful—moments when finance meets finger food. From retirement myths to crypto confusion, they tackle the big questions people  should  be asking (but usually don’t). Kerstin shares how she found he...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton pull back the curtain on one of Wall Street’s favorite illusions: the idea that you can—or should—try to beat the market. They dive into why benchmarks like the S&P 500, aren’t always what they seem and how the financial industry uses them to sell you a story that might not serve your goals. You’ll hear why active management isn’t the villain it’s ma...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton pull back the curtain on market volatility and the emotional rollercoaster it creates for investors. They break down why chasing short-term wins often leads to long-term regrets, and how misunderstanding risk and volatility can sabotage your financial future. You’ll hear real talk about the myths investors buy into, the dangers of FOMO, and why fear...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton dive into something every investor feels but doesn’t always say out loud — the emotional rollercoaster of trying to make smart decisions in a chaotic market. They unpack how the constant flood of news and market noise can mess with your head, and why it’s so easy to confuse price with value. More importantly, they explore how having a real plan — and som...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Jess Blake get into a topic that’s way too common — financial vultures. You know, the ones who circle around when you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or just trying to do the right thing with your money. They break down how these predators operate, why so many people fall for slick sales pitches, and what you can do to protect yourself. From illiquid investments and annuit...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Jess Blake pull back the curtain on what really separates those who crush their financial goals from those who stay stuck in the struggle. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about how much money you make. They dive into the power of mindset, why clarity in your financial plan is non-negotiable, and how taking small, consistent action beats big talk every time. You’ll als...

In this episode of "Ditch the Suits," Travis Maus, CEO of S.E.E.D. Planning Group , and guest Jessica Blake, a Senior Wealth Manager , explore the concept of financial freedom beyond just accumulating wealth. They discuss common misconceptions, emphasizing that financial freedom is not merely about being rich but understanding and prioritizing one's financial situation. Jess shares insights on the...

In this eye-opening episode, Travis is joined once again by consumer advocate and CEO of WealthRamp , Pam Krueger , for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the alarming realities behind 401(k) “advice,” what fiduciary really means, and how investors are often unknowingly being nudged into products that serve companies—not them. Pam calls out the dirty little secret no one wants to talk about: the...

If you’ve ever wondered who you can really trust with your money—or felt like the financial industry was built to confuse you—this episode is your compass. Travis welcomes Pam Krueger , the fearless founder and CEO of WealthRamp , to the show. She’s on a mission to help everyday people find real, vetted, fee-only fiduciary advisors who actually work in your best interest. Pam’s story starts in the...

In this episode of Ditch the Suits , we're back with Matt Brassard, Head of Growth at Ground News, to continue the conversation about how your media diet could be making you more confused—and more stressed—than informed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by doomsday headlines or wondered why every story you read feels slanted, this one's for you. We break down how Ground News works, why headlines ma...

In this new two-part conversation, Travis welcomes Matt Brassard of Ground News to discuss the current state of news and the challenges of finding trustworthy information. Matt opens up about the role of Ground News as a news aggregation tool. Together, they explore the hyper-political media landscape, the importance of local news, and the impact of media bias on public perception. Matt shares ins...

In this follow-up episode of Ditch the Suits , Travis continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, founder of Kindred Spirits Counseling and Wellness . Together, they dig deeper into the emotional toll political uncertainty and federal job instability are having on workers—and what can be done about it. With tensions rising across political lines and anxiety driven by job insecurity...

In this episode of Ditch the Suits , host Travis Maus sits down with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in anxiety and trauma, to unpack the mounting stress experienced by federal employees amid sudden funding cuts and workforce changes. With nearly 35% of all U.S. jobs tied in some way to federal funding, these shifts are rippling across the economy—impacting...

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of tariffs, egg prices, and the broader implications for financial futures. They challenge common narratives surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying factors affecting prices and regulations. The conversation highlights the role of supply issues, regulatory policies, and the misconceptions sur...

In this episode, Travis and Steve discuss how to navigate market volatility, emphasizing the importance of understanding market corrections and crashes. They explore strategies for profiting during downturns, including Roth conversions and identifying investment opportunities. The conversation highlights the wisdom of Warren Buffett, encouraging listeners to view market fluctuations as "opportunit...

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of taxation, focusing on common mistakes individuals make regarding tax reduction strategies. They discuss the difference between tax loopholes and traps, the concept of tax loss harvesting, and the risks associated with market timing. The conversation also covers the implications of deferring income taxes, the challenges of capital gai...

We're diving deep into the world of financial planning with our awesome guest, Jeff Chase! Jeff is Vice President of Financial Planning and a Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. This episode shines a spotlight on the critical importance of choosing not just a financial planner, but the right firm that supports them. We discuss how organizations can make or break your financial journe...

Today, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of what makes a financial planner the "real deal." Our special series guest, Jeff Chase, VP of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group is back with us, and together we're about to drop some insights that’ll help you see through all the shiny sales pitches out there. We’re breaking down the art of financial planning and...

Our special guest, Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, is back! In this episode, we're diving deep into financial planning and exposing financial advisors and professionals who might be more about sales than sound advice. We'll break down how to distinguish experienced, qualified financial planners from those who are just in it for the commission—bec...

Navigating the world of financial advising can feel like wandering through a maze blindfolded. Not every financial advisor is created equal—some have the credentials and expertise, while others just have the title. So, how can you tell the difference? In this brand-new four-part series, we’re joined by Jeff Chase , Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group . Together,...

Have you ever felt like the stock market is rigged against you? Well, you’re not alone in that sentiment, but we’re here to pull back the curtain and show you that it’s all about understanding the rules of the game. Throughout the episode, we argue that many investors are distracted by the flashy allure of 'instant wealth' while ignoring the real strategies that could lead to sustainable success....

Ever feel like the investment world is just one big emotional rollercoaster? Well, you’re not alone! We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of why the average investor is at a serious disadvantage and how to flip the script. We kick things off by addressing the emotional rollercoaster that is the stock market, likening it to an emotional teenager throwing tantrums over price fluctuations. It’s all abo...

Would you like your investments to have more good days than bad days? Are you tired of logging in and seeing your investment account balances dropping? Why does the stock market feel like an emotional teenager throwing tantrums and making drama? Well, that's what we're diving into today! We’re breaking down how the ups and downs of your investments mirror the wild mood swings of adolescence—think...

This episode dives into why teaming up with a competent attorney is essential for your financial well-being, especially when it comes to estate planning. We’ve got our go-to legal expert, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart LLP , back in studio to share how the right attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your assets are handled according to your wishes. We chat about the impor...

Today, we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of estate planning with our special guest, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart , LLP, who knows this stuff like the back of her hand. Our episode kicks off with a casual banter that sets the tone for a relaxed yet informative discussion. Kristen shares her journey and passion for helping clients navigate the often murky waters of estate...