Dollars&Sense Nelson Financial Planning

Discover the Financial Ripple Effects of Geopolitical Turmoil and 2026’s Major Tax Reforms  In this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, hosts Joel and Kristin tackle two high-stakes financial stories shaping headlines and household budgets. First, dive into the dramatic capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces—unraveling the international backlash, the future of...

Kick off 2026 with Joel Garris on Dollars & Sense as he dives into two critical topics: the latest market trends and practical financial resolutions. This episode opens with a fearless forecast for the year ahead, including a candid review of last year’s predictions—where Joel nailed the impact of deregulation and tax reform but underestimated the power of AI and the surprising market surge. H...

How This Year’s Biggest Events and Behavioral Insights Can Transform Your Financial Future  2025 has been a year packed with transformative moments—political shifts, market turbulence, technological leaps, and viral media headlines. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris guides you through the essential financial lessons we can draw from the past twelve months, exploring how these eve...

Discover budget-friendly holiday tips and creative gift ideas on Dollars & Sense  In this festive episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Zach Keister and Rob Field dive into the emotional and financial realities of holiday spending. The show kicks off with lighthearted banter about holiday traditions and a playful debate over whether “Die Hard” counts as a Christmas movie, setting the stage for...

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, Joel dives into two urgent questions facing American investors and retirees: How will the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) affect your business, and are you prepared for the costly pitfalls of inherited IRA rules?  First, Joel unpacks the latest developments in the Corporate Transparency Act, including an interview with Simon Conway....

Discover How to Manage IRMAA, Avoid 401(k) Mistakes, and Make Your Giving Go Further!  Unlock the secrets to smarter financial planning in this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris! Joel breaks down three hot topics that can impact your wealth and peace of mind:  IRMAA & Medicare Premiums: Confused about why your Social Security check is smaller? Learn what IRMAA is, how it a...

On this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, get ready for a power-packed financial guide as Joel unpacks the must-do year-end financial checklist, reveals the surprising habits of the “millionaire next door,” and exposes the pitfalls of incomplete estate plans.  Joel kicks off with a timely reminder: as the holiday season races by, you have just weeks to make smart financial moves bef...

Curious about the latest retirement updates and how to safeguard your finances in a digital world? In this engaging Thanksgiving episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Joel Garris and Chet Cowart kick off with holiday traditions and a brief history of Thanksgiving, then dive into timely financial topics that matter to every listener.  The episode covers newly announced 2026 contribution limits for ...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris and Kristin Castello, listeners get a front-row seat to a lively discussion on the latest government updates, major tax changes taking effect in 2025, and the crucial steps needed to prevent costly mistakes with retirement account beneficiaries.  The show kicks off with the recent end of the government shutdown, playful banter about holiday t...

Welcome to this week’s Dollars & Sense episode with Joel Garris! Are you wondering if you should rent or buy in today’s crazy market? Or how AI is really reshaping the economy—and maybe even your job? In this video, Joel breaks down the biggest financial trends of the moment and gives you the tools to make smarter money moves.  First up, Joel uncovers why corporate earnings are smashing expect...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Christina Lamb tackle two of the most pressing topics in personal finance: the power—and pitfalls—of leveraged ETFs, and the shifting wealth equation for young Americans deciding between renting or buying a home. Listeners will discover why leveraged exchange-traded funds can supercharge returns but demand careful strategy and constant attent...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, listeners are treated to an insider’s perspective from a prestigious investment conference attended by just 100 select guests and hosted by one of the world’s largest asset managers. Joel kicks off with a deep dive into the hottest topic in finance—Artificial Intelligence (AI). He explores AI’s growing influence on investments, the labor mar...

In this can’t-miss episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Joel Garris and Zach Keister tackle the timely topics reshaping America’s financial landscape. They kick off with a deep dive into tariffs—cutting through the headlines to reveal how the U.S. economy remains resilient, why the actual costs may be less than you think, and what you can do to protect your portfolio. Next, they demystify the Gre...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, host Joel Garris breaks down the critical steps to "die better"—or at least be better prepared—by mastering the essentials of estate planning. Drawing from Chapter 19, "Death: The Other Certainty," of the Next Gen Dollars and Sense book, Joel shares practical advice to help listeners avoid common estate planning pitfalls and protect their loved ones. The epi...

n this episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Kristin Castello and Chet Cowart dive into the hottest topics shaping your retirement future, including the latest proposed changes to 401k investment options and critical updates to catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and above. If you’re curious about how alternative investments like crypto and private equity might soon enter your 401k, or how up...

In this engaging episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, listeners are taken on a journey through the fascinating world of old paper stock certificates and the essential steps to cashing in on these historical treasures. Did you know there could still be $780 billion in forgotten paper stocks out there? Joel explains how to uncover their value, navigate the process of redeeming them, and...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Rob Field take listeners on a practical journey through two crucial areas that impact your wallet—Medicare Advantage and the financial aftermath of divorce. Joel shares real-life insights about enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans, revealing common myths, what to watch out for during the enrollment period, and how to avoid costly mistakes. T...

Ready to take control of your finances and break free from the mental traps that sabotage your savings? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Joel Garris and Zach Keister share their expert advice on building stronger personal financial habits, including face-the-numbers budgeting and the power of automating savings. But they don't stop there—they dive deep into the surprising ways your mi...

Are you prepared to safeguard your financial future and tackle the challenges of estate settlement? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we dive deep into the essentials of risk management—from understanding investment volatility to balancing risk and reward for lasting financial health. Discover practical strategies like diversification, setting clear financial goals, and building emergency fu...

Ready to supercharge your retirement strategy? In this episode of "Dollars and Sense," host Joel Garris tackles two of the biggest questions facing today's retirees: how to check off the 5 essential boxes for early retirement, and how to demystify Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) so you can keep more of what you’ve earned.  Discover the crucial steps you must take if you’re dreaming of leavin...

Ready to make the most of your taxes in 2025 and beyond? In this value-packed episode of Dollar & Sense, Joel and Kristin break down the latest game-changing updates to tax deductions, with a spotlight on the new senior deduction and major changes for charitable contributions. Discover how seniors can benefit from a $6,000 deduction—even if they're not yet on Social Security—and learn the inco...

On this episode of Dollar & Sense, hosts Joel and Chet dive into two hot topics that are reshaping financial futures: the rising cost of college and the common fear of investing. Whether you’re sending kids back to school or gearing up for your own academic journey, you’ll get eye-opening insights into how families are really paying for higher education—and smart alternatives that can save you...

This episode of Dollars & Sense puts the spotlight on the economic headlines shaping your future. Get an insider’s look at the landmark OBBB tax bill, including powerful updates like “Trump accounts,” zero tax on tips and overtime, and a fresh car loan deduction. Our experts break down the practical impact of these changes on everyday finances, revealing who stands to benefit and how.  We also...

Ready to outsmart the latest financial fads and futureproof your family’s well-being? This episode of Dollar & Sense is packed with candid truth and practical guidance you won’t want to miss.  We pull back the curtain on the buzz around private equity—why are financial giants suddenly pushing these investments, and what’s lurking in the fine print? Discover the hidden risks, high fees, and pit...

This week, hosts Zach and Christina bring their signature blend of expertise and energy to help you navigate some of the hottest financial topics of the season.  From family adventures to the practical impact of new tariffs hitting on August 1st, you’ll hear personal anecdotes and professional guidance that make complex policies easy to understand. Discover how the latest tariff changes could affe...