Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

For as long as we’ve had written history, money has held three important functions in our society: as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value. But that last function has come under pressure over time due to the presence of inflation. Nathan discusses how our understanding of money has evolved over the millennia, and why it matters for our future. Also, on MoneyTalk, wha...

In his 2026 state of the union address, the president announced a new public retirement plan with a government match for workers without access to an employer sponsored plan. Donna and Nathan discuss this bold initiative and what it could mean for future retirees. Also on MoneyTalk, why the AI disruption is accelerating and who is being hit hardest. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Be...

Estate Planning can sound a bit grandiose, but when broken down into its parts, it is simply a series of measures intended to protect your assets for the future, and some of the more important estate planning tools at your disposal are surprisingly simple. Donna goes through various steps that people with young families can take to begin building out their estate plan. Also on MoneyTalk, common Re...

Since the advent of the MoneyTalk show we’ve discussed the art of portfolio management, but there is also a science behind the methods asset managers employ. Nathan discusses how different asset allocation strategies can used to achieve specific investment goals. Also on MoneyTalk, highlights from Scott Patterson’s “Chaos Kings: How Wall Street Traders Make Billions in the New Age of Crises”, and...

The current generation of young investors has been quick to adopt the latest innovations in financial technology, which has resulted in a higher rate of market participation than emerging generations of the past. Nathan and Donna discuss lessons we can learn from today’s budding investor class. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Bea...

Life is full of issues that are important, but not urgent, and one way to stop yourself from kicking the down the road is through a well-developed financial plan. Nathan discusses some of the key components of a financial plan, and how to decide what should be included in yours. Also on MoneyTalk, some top financial scams, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Host: Nathan Beauvais CFP®, CIM...

Let’s be honest, none of us like thinking about our mortality, and unfortunately this can lead to procrastination with addressing important estate planning matters. Donna and Nathan discuss some of the more common estate planning mistakes and some simple steps you can take ensure that your assets are protected for the long haul. Also, on MoneyTalk, and Stock Trivia: Two Truths and a Lie. Hos...

That stretch of time leading up to retirement is a critical period when your strategic retirement plan gets accelerated to get you past the goal line, and how you choose to focus your efforts and resources will make all the difference. Donna and Nathan run through some of the challenges and key decisions that you’ll face from ages 50 to 65 as you position yourself for the big transition. Als...

If you are among the millions of Americans who don’t have a will, trust, or other estate planning tool in place, your assets are left at the mercy of the laws of the state in which you live, which can lead to unintended costs, headaches, and conflicts for your loved ones. On this Best of MoneyTalk episode, we revisit a conversation with estate planning attorney and long time friend of the show, Pa...

When it comes to retirement, how you spend your time is arguably as important as how you generate income, but seldom receives the same attention during the planning phase. Donna and Nathan discuss the importance of prioritizing structure and values-based activities when planning your transition to retirement. Also, on MoneyTalk, why the private equity markets are all in on AI, and Stock Trivia: Tw...

If you receive 100% of your income from your salary, the manner in which you are taxed is relatively straightforward, but most Americans receive income from multiple sources, all of which are taxes a little differently. Donna and Nathan discuss how your tax liability is calculated on different types of income, including: social security, pensions, dividends and interest, capital gains, retirement...

Donna shares answers to questions from wealth management clients, including: How do I go about selling my precious metal items without getting swindled? How do I live my best retirement without overspending? How can I teach my college age child to save when prices are so high? What kind of an emergency fund should I keep?— and more. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 2/9/2026. Have a q...

Nearly half of marriages today end in divorce, and surveys show that the leading causes for these failed unions involve differences around money. Donna and Nathan discuss the importance of financial compatibility between partners, and the critical role of communication and transparency around money. Also, on MoneyTalk, finding your safe spending rate in retirement, paying off your mortgage vs inve...

With the right instruction, you could probably fly an airplane, but you leave it to a professional because the cost of making a mistake is too high. Many feel the same way about investing, but for those who prefer the pilots chair, Nathan explains a few of the traps DIY investors often fall into and how to recognize them. Also, on MoneyTalk, understanding the various business entities, the consequ...

When you are one year out from retirement, you know that it’s time to get your ducks in a row, the question is: which ducks and in what order? Donna and Nathan discuss how to prioritize your action items during that last year before retirement. Also, on MoneyTalk, common questions from first-time clients, and Stock Trivia: Battle of the Sowas. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® &am...

Estate Planning can sound a bit grandiose, but when broken down into its parts, it is simply a series of measures intended to protect your assets for the future, and some of the more important estate planning tools at your disposal are surprisingly simple. Donna goes through various steps that people with young families can take to begin building out their estate plan. Also, on MoneyTalk, common R...

People often have confusion around about how and when a Roth conversion should be used, which is why there is clear methodology professionals use to help make these decisions. Nathan explains the three goals advisors consider when deciding whether to do a Roth conversion: lower taxes over time, lower withdrawals from retirement accounts, and higher tax adjusted assets to pass down. Also, on our Mo...

If you receive 100% of your income from your salary, the manner in which you are taxed is relatively straightforward, but a growing number of Americans today receive income from multiple sources, each of which may be taxes a little differently. Donna and Nathan discuss how your tax liability is calculated on different types of income, including: social security, pensions, dividends and interest, c...

When we plan for retirement, we tend to spend the majority of our time thinking about money, but research shows that there is much more to a happy retirement than dollars and cents. Nathan interviews Morningstar columnist Christine Benz, author of “How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful and Wealthy Retirement”, to discuss perspectives from thought leaders on what contributes to a truly...

In today’s inflated economy, it’s rare to find a financially independent young adult, but supporting your children without healthy boundaries is a sure way to stunt their growth and potentially threaten your retirement goals. Donna and Nathan discuss how to provide balanced financial assistance to your kids without sacrificing your own future security. Also, on MoneyTalk, why some reti...

The annuity was designed to provide a stream of lifetime income in exchange for a lump sum payment, and they have since evolved to provide varying levels of safety and growth, but these features come at a steep cost, and it’s important to understand their limitations if you wish to reap their benefits. Donna and Nathan discuss mechanics, tax treatment, and complex rules governing annuities that ca...

After the tax breaks built into the One Big Beautiful Bill, it is estimated that 42% of Americans will pay zero income tax, and if you were wondering how that could be possible, you’re not alone! Donna and Nathan walk us through five different scenarios of households that would end up paying no income taxes under the current tax system. Also, on MoneyTalk, 529s and other college tools, and S...

High earners over age 50, a group traditionally excluded from Roth participation, are now being required to make their catch-up contributions on a Roth basis, an ironic pivot intended to bolster near term government revenue. Donna and Nathan discuss the various changes to retirement account rules and limits to keep you on the right side of the regulators. Also, on MoneyTalk, investing in internati...

An employer stock option plan can be a valuable company benefit as a compliment to your employees’ retirement savings, but it can also be a powerful tool to facilitate a business owner’s exit strategy. Nathan discusses the ins and outs of ESOPs, who they may be appropriate for, and why an employer may choose sell their company to their employees rather than on the open market. Also, on our MoneyTa...

Starting in 2026, higher income workers over 50 are required to make 401k catchup contributions on a Roth basis, one of the more controversial provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0. Donna discusses how this change reduces the potential for tax deferred growth for those affected while increasing government revenue, and some of the likely implementation hurdles. Also, on MoneyTalk, considerations for the...