Dollars & Common Sense

When it comes to financial planning, one of the most expensive words can be "later." In this episode, we discuss how delaying important decisions about saving, investing, taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and retirement can quietly reduce your future options and increase the cost of reaching your goals. You'll learn why taking small, intentional steps today is often far more valuable than waitin...

Most people assume investment returns are the biggest factor in building wealth, but the reality is often much different. In this episode, we explore the financial decisions that can have an even greater impact on long-term success, including saving habits, spending choices, tax planning, risk management, and retirement income strategies. You'll learn why strong financial outcomes are usually driv...

Most people assume estate planning is something only wealthy families need, but the reality is that every household can face serious complications if proper documents are not in place. In this episode, we explore what can happen when someone passes away or becomes incapacitated without an estate plan, including court involvement, family conflict, delays accessing accounts, and uncertainty around m...

This week’s show explores how charitable giving fits into a thoughtful financial plan and why generosity is about far more than tax deductions alone. We’ll discuss how families can align their giving with their values, teach generosity across generations, and create a greater long-term impact with more intentional planning. From donor advised funds and appreciated stock gifts to legacy conversatio...

Many retirees spend decades doing everything right financially, only to find themselves holding back far more than they need to once retirement begins. This episode explores the often-overlooked risk of underspending and why fear, not math, is usually the driving force behind it. We break down how this cautious mindset can quietly limit experiences, increase stress, and lead to regret later in lif...

This episode breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in personal finance: the idea that taxes are solved in April. We explore the critical difference between tax filing and tax planning, and why most of the decisions that impact your taxes are made long before you ever sit down to file. You’ll learn how everyday financial choices like saving, investing, and timing income can shape your long-...

Most people think tax season is when their taxes are decided, but in reality, the outcome is shaped by financial decisions made throughout the entire year. This show breaks down how choices around retirement savings, investment activity, income timing, and charitable giving all play a role in what you ultimately owe. Instead of reacting in April, we explore how proactive planning can lead to more...

In this episode of Dollars & Common Sense, we explore the financial advice people most often say they wish they had followed ten years earlier. Looking back, many individuals realize that a few key decisions—such as saving earlier, staying invested during market volatility, and avoiding lifestyle creep—can have a major impact on long term financial confidence. We discuss why time and consistency a...

This episode focuses on one of the most challenging transitions in retirement: moving from steady paychecks to generating income from savings. It explores why the loss of a predictable paycheck creates stress even for retirees with substantial assets, and how that stress is often rooted in uncertainty rather than investment performance alone. The conversation breaks down key risks such as sequence...

In this episode, we define the Retirement Red Zone—the five years before and after retirement—when financial decisions become larger, more permanent, and far less forgiving. We walk through the five critical choices that can make or break retirement: when to claim Social Security, how to turn savings into reliable income, managing taxes and RMDs, preparing for healthcare and longevity risk, and en...

Most DIY investors don’t have an investing problem—they have a behavior problem, and this episode proves it with hard numbers: over the last 10 years, the average investor trailed the S&P 500 by about 3.3% per year, and even over 20 years they lagged by roughly 1.1% per year. We break down the 10 most common mistakes—from panic-selling and market timing to performance chasing, poor diversification...

Kick off the new year with a simple game plan that can make the rest of 2026 feel calmer, clearer, and more in control. In this episode, we break down practical “do-it-this-week” moves—tightening up cash flow, building an emergency cushion, and setting your retirement savings on autopilot—without the jargon or technicalities. We’ll also share a quick 2025 market performance recap (including small-...

Get your money ready for the new year with this special year-end checklist episode. We’ll walk through the key moves to think about before December 31—like tidying up your investments, checking on taxes, and making smart retirement contributions. You’ll also hear ideas for reviewing benefits, insurance, and your “big picture” plan so you start 2026 on solid footing. And since it’s the holidays, we...

As the year wraps up, Kevin walks through a checklist of smart money moves to consider before December 31st. He talks about checking your investment gains and losses, making any required IRA withdrawals, and deciding whether to add more to your retirement accounts before the deadline. The show also highlights chances to use HSAs and flexible spending accounts, and to double-check 529 college savin...

This episode explores how to give meaningfully and strategically—whether to loved ones or charitable causes. It breaks down the full spectrum of gifting options, from cash and collectibles to donor-advised funds and charitable trusts, while explaining the powerful tax benefits of thoughtful giving. Listeners will learn how to maximize their impact, avoid common pitfalls, and align their generosity...

This episode explores how to enjoy your money guilt-free while still achieving long-term financial freedom. It covers why people often overspend or underplan for travel and hobbies, and how to shift toward intentional, values-based spending that maximizes joy. Listeners will learn practical ways to allocate funds, use dedicated accounts, and balance flexibility with discipline. Real-life examples...

This episode explores why even high earners often struggle to build wealth as their income rises. It explains how lifestyle upgrades—bigger homes, newer cars, and pricier vacations—quietly erode savings and financial security. Through relatable examples and data, the discussion uncovers the psychology behind lifestyle creep and its long-term costs. Listeners will learn how to spot warning signs in...

Reverse mortgages have come a long way since their inception in the 1960's. Today, they represent a flexible financial planning tool to help manage cashflow and get liquidity from an otherwise illiquid asset.

It seems anyone with a smart phone and a TikTok account can dispense financial advice these days. Unfortunately, a lot of what you hear online is wrong. In this episode, we expose common types of financial misinformation, why it's harmful, and how you can spot dubious claims.

A continuation of the July 22nd show relating to the proper use of insurance in financial planning. We discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having solid coverage.

Insurance premiums are one of the largest household expenses after taxes. In this episode, we discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having rock-solid coverage.

This episode explores the softer side of retirement planning that many people don't fully consider. Transitioning from daily work to retirement can bring changes to one's identity and purpose, social connections, mental and emotional health, lifestyle and routine, and spousal relationship dynamics. We discuss many of the benefits -- and pitfalls -- we've learned through professional experience.

An estate plan is not something you do for yourself. It's something you do for your loved ones. But a well-crafted estate plan is an important component of a comprehensive financial plan. This is an easy to understand discussion of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that make up the estate plan, as well as the purpose and role of the executor, grantor, trustee, and beneficiary.

Financial scams through the ages. How they have evolved, ways you can protect yourself, and where to report fraud when they occur.

A discussion of the deep psychological feelings and emotions that money evokes. This includes strategies and applications to help overcome negative biases and take advantage of the positive vibes.