Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

That 10 year stretch of time leading up to retirement is a critical period when your strategic retirement plan gets accelerated to get you to your goal, and how you choose to focus your efforts and resources will make all the difference. Donna runs through 10 questions you should be asking yourself when planning for your final approach to retirement. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date:...

More people today are claiming social security at 62 than are waiting until age 70, suggesting that retirees are considering more than just maximizing their benefits when deciding when to claim. Donna and Nathan examine the deciding factors for those who choose to claim social security early. Also on MoneyTalk, how to navigate volatility, and Stock Trivia: Battle of the Sowas. Hosts: Donna Sowa Al...

With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, we thought it appropriate to take a look back at how it all began. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan takes us on a journey back to the American Revolution to examine the fiscal policies, economic conditions, and bold new political thinking that drove the early colonists to wage war against their British oppressor...

It’s a well known fact that the social security retirement trust fund will be unable to support full benefit payments starting in 2032, and with no clear solution in sight, Congress is being forced to get creative. Donna and Nathan discuss the various measures being proposed to fix social security, and the reality that future retirees will have to live with. Also on MoneyTalk, why financial strain...

Late Fed Chairman, Alan Greenspan, served under four presidents, through multiple market meltdowns, and negotiated the American economy into its longest period of peacetime expansion, but Greenspan’s legacy is also inextricably linked to the policies that led to the Great Financial Crisis. Donna does a retrospective commemorating the great contributions and unfortunate miss-steps of the man known...

Many people use a home equity line of credit for home renovations and unforeseen liquidity needs, but if you are carrying an old balance on your variable rate HELOC, the current high interest rate environment has not been friendly to you. Donna and Nathan discuss options for managing variable rate home equity loan balances, and strategies for paying down other forms of high interest debt. Also on...

For over a century, gold wasn’t just a symbol of wealth—it was the backbone of the U.S. dollar. From the discovery of gold in California to the creation of the Federal Reserve and the dramatic shift under President Nixon, the gold standard shaped not only how America did business, but how it saw itself on the global stage. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Da...

RI Governor Dan McKee has increased the top line income tax rate to 9% for those making over $1M, following a wave of populist state leaders and drawing criticism from many local residents and business leaders. Donna and Nathan discuss the motivations behind the new millionaires tax, and the potential impact on the State. Also on MoneyTalk, the different types of education savings accounts, and St...

You may have heard of the 4% Rule, which suggests 4% as the safe maximum rate of withdrawal from your retirement accounts, but over recent years the goal posts have been shifting, leading some to question the validity of this classic rule of thumb. Donna offers insights from experts on what rate of withdrawal makes sense based on current and projected cost of living and the importance of building...

The reverse mortgage has been shrouded in controversy and misunderstanding due to some early abusive sales tactics and its highly vulnerable target market, but when used under the right circumstances, the reverse mortgage can be a game changer. Donna and Nathan have a conversation with reverse mortgage expert, Garrett Duffy, to explain how reverse mortgages work, and who should and shouldn’t consi...

Trump savings accounts are begin rolling out on July 4th 2026 to give children of eligible birth years a head start on retirement savings with $1,000 of tax deferred initial funding, sparking both excitement and confusion. Donna and Nathan discuss the program details, the convoluted application process, and alternative early savings options for children. Also on MoneyTalk, sequence of returns risk...

Until the 20th century, there was never an expectation that life would be better than that of your parents’, but the emergence of capitalism forged a prolonged period of economic growth that we now take for granted. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan takes us through the origins of capitalism, highlighting the inflection point that we find ourselves in. Also on Mo...

In 2026 we’ve finally managed to close the infamous retirement savings gap, with average savings rates for Americans reaching the level necessary to eventually afford retirement. Donna and Nathan discuss the factors driving this trend, and how Gen Z is leaning into financial wellness. Also on MoneyTalk, financial scams to avoid, and Stock Trivia: Battle of the Sowas. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®...

One of the primary goals of estate planning is minimizing overall tax burden, and when dealing with large estates, the small details can make all the difference. Donna discusses one particular aspect of inheritance planning: the difference between using date of death vs alternate valuation date. Also on MoneyTalk, deciding whether to rollover your 401K, and planning for your first year of retireme...

Broadly speaking, commodities can be an effective portfolio diversifier as they are often negatively correlated to the stock market, however, each type of commodity carries its own unique set of risks, so it’s important to investigate before you invest. Nathan discusses how commodities investing works, and the precautions to take when considering them for your portfolio. Also on MoneyTalk, underst...

For a young person starting out, receiving rental income from a multi-family home can be a great way to offset the cost of your mortgage, but many are unequipped to navigate the complicated tax rules that govern rental income without the help of a tax professional. Donna and Nathan discuss some specifics around rental property taxes and how to ensure that the IRS and property inspectors don’t catc...

It seems implied that retirement accounts are the best vehicles for your retirement savings, but depending on your circumstances, the flexibility of an after tax brokerage account can be a major benefit. Nathan explains how non-retirement accounts can work to compliment your retirement portfolio. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History Nathan and Daniel tell the story of Alexander Hamil...

They say that what separates investing from gambling is the availability of information to facilitate educated decision making, but what about the information a skilled Poker player reads on an opponent’s face, or the limited information available for a start up company? Donna and Nathan discuss the gray area between gambling and investing, and why it’s important to understand the difference. Also...

Retirement planning is mainly focused on the math, but there is much more to aging than surviving financially, and today’s advisors are taking a more holistic approach to serving their senior clients. Donna discusses how longevity planning is providing a more comprehensive solution to the needs of retirement community. Also, on MoneyTalk, what to do with your old 401k. Host: Donna Sowa Allar...

Investments can be packaged and presented in a variety of ways, and understanding your investments requires an equal understanding of the vehicles that carry them. Nathan offers an in depth look at ETFs and other investment vehicles. Also, on MoneyTalk, IRAs vs brokerage accounts, and understanding stock options. Host: Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 5/29/2026; Original...

Inheriting money from your spouse is a pretty straightforward process, but when money is passed down from parents or other family members, the rules get a bit more complicated. Donna and Nathan discuss the process of distributing assets from a non-spousal inheritance. Also, on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP&reg...

In this episode of MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses how to navigate accounts offered by workplaces. Also on MoneyTalk, Nathan and Dan chat about steam engines and the first monopoly. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 5/27/2026. Have a question for the hosts? Leave a message on the MoneyTalk Hotline at (401) 587-SOWA and have your voice heard live on t...

On this episode of MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses the concept and philosophy of money. Also, on MoneyTalk, how the Monte Carlo simulation works, and passages from a recent book that Nathan cannot put down. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 5/22/2026. Have a question for the hosts? Leave a message on the MoneyTalk Hotline at (...

On this episode of MoneyTalk, Donna and Nathan discuss common misconceptions and tips when dealing with tax after retirement. Also, on MoneyTalk, the differences in how companies incorporate. Finally, it's game time with MoneyTalk! The team plays Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 5/19/2026. Have a que...

In this episode of Don Sowa's MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses important topics when choosing a financial planner. Also, on MoneyTalk, Nathan shares some of his favorite reads that has helped educate him throughout his years in the industry. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®; Air Date: 5/20/2026. Have a question for the hosts? Leave a mes...