Five Minute Finance

In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dive into a commonly overlooked step in managing rollover and inherited IRAs: making sure your funds are invested and not just sitting in cash. They share practical tips on how to avoid leaving money idle, like setting a yearly reminder to check your accounts, opting for simple investment choices, and keeping track of dividends. They’ll show you how a...

Make the most of your employee benefits and unlock “free money” that could add up to thousands yearly! In this episode, we break down essential perks, from maximizing retirement savings with 401(k) matching to the tax advantages of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). We also explore the value of education and tuition benefits, affordable insurance options, wellnes...

As Halloween approaches, it's not just ghosts and ghouls that can be scary—financial planning can have its own terrifying elements. Join Mike Morton and Matt Robison as they demystify the top five fears in managing money. The risk of running out of funds in retirement, the uncomfortable reality of planning for death and inheritance, the rising costs of healthcare in old age, the trap of debt and p...

"How are you going to pay for college?" “How much should you save now?” Matt and Mike break down the current costs of higher education, from public in-state schools to high-end private institutions, and offer strategies for saving. Whether you're just getting started or have significant resources to allocate, you’ll get actionable advice on how to plan effectively. They cover the benefits of 529 p...

In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dive into the often-overlooked topic of homeowners insurance and why spending just five minutes reviewing your policy could save you thousands of dollars. They explain the importance of ensuring your coverage is adequate, especially with rising costs of rebuilding due to inflation and natural disasters. They walk through key elements to check, such as...

Join Matt Robison and Mike Morton this week as they teach you how to help boost your teenager's credit score. Learn the proactive steps you can take early on, such as adding your child as an authorized user on a credit card. This allows teens to start building credit history without the responsibility of managing payments themselves, and you remain in control of the account. It’s important to educ...

Join Matt Robison and Mike Morton in this week’s episode to explore the common myth that election outcomes can predict stock market performance. They discuss real-life examples, such as the 2016 Trump election and the 2008 Obama election, highlighting how initial market reactions often mislead investors. They emphasize the importance of not overreacting to short-term volatility, noting that global...

Join Matt Robison and me for this week’s episode in which we tackle the age-old question: actively managed funds or low-cost index funds? Brokers often promise better returns with active management through expert stock picking, but the data tells a different story. We’ll break down the numbers, starting with the SPIVA report, which compares active funds to their benchmarks and reveals that a stagg...

Securities lending lets you lend your stocks or bonds to someone else and earn interest in return. It’s legit and has been around for a long time, with the borrower often using your securities to "short sell." You could make some nice passive income, like $800 a month, without doing much. Plus, you still own your stocks and can sell them whenever you want. But there are some catches—like losing th...

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton consider the potential expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025 and what it could mean for your finances. They focus on three key areas: the possible reduction of the lifetime gifting exemption from $13 million to $6 million; the likely increase in tax rates due to a decrease in the standard deduction, making it a good time to consider Ro...

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton dive into the world of investment fees and the truth behind the "no free lunch" adage. They explore how Wall Street packages seemingly attractive investment products with hidden fees that can erode returns. From Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with unexpected management fees to interval funds with layers of costs, we break down why fees are the number o...

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton go back-to-basics with a focus on Roth Conversions—a financial strategy that could potentially save you millions of dollars in retirement. Whether you've amassed significant savings in tax-deferred accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s or you're just starting to think about how to optimize your retirement funds, this episode is for you. Explore ho...

Are you tired of being told to just "go with the flow"? Well, not today. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into why focusing on your net worth is more important than worrying about your cash flow. Have you ever scrambled to cover monthly expenses, or dipped into your investments for an unexpected charge, and felt the stress afterward? You're not alone, but these moments don’t truly reflect...

In this week's episode, I’m joined by financial coach Adam Koren , an expert in helping people overcome their money anxieties, to discuss the elephant in the room: your finances. No one likes to talk money, but it is monumentally important to pay attention to your finances, regardless of your income level. Stop feeling like you “should” know how and start learning what you can do to establish fina...

In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison discuss the incredible benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which offer a unique way to save money without losing any to taxes. Learn how HSAs provide a "triple whammy" of tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Understand the strategies to maximize your...

Dreaming of establishing your own dynasty? While you may not control a nation, you can create a long-lasting educational legacy with a 529 plan! Join Matt Robison and me, Mike Morton, on this week’s podcast as we delve into funding education for your children, grandchildren, and even beyond. We'll explore how 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses, can be the foundatio...

In this week's podcast episode, "10 Financial Hot Topics for 2024: Boring and Painful," join me and Matt Robison as we delve into Allan Roth's latest financial insights for 2024 . We cover critical topics my clients often ask about, from understanding the difference between real and nominal returns,and managing cash to avoid inflation's eroding effects, to ensuring your investments oscillate betwe...

For decades, concerns have circulated that the U.S. The Social Security system would run out of money. While headlines continue to warn of imminent depletion, the political implications, especially during election years, fuel much of this fear. Join Matt Robison and Mike Morton this week as they discuss the efforts currently underway to ensure the sustainability of Social Security, such as adjusti...

Join us this week as Matt Robison and I discuss the strategies for minimizing capital gains taxes in today’s profitable housing market. We'll share a real-life client story that highlights how a couple saved thousands in tax liability by leveraging home improvement receipts and the primary residence exclusion. Discover how meticulous record-keeping and strategic planning can significantly reduce y...

To-do or not to-do? Take a calendar approach Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Constantly moving unfinished tasks to the next day? In this episode, Matt Robison and I explore a game-changing productivity hack: scheduling tasks directly on your calendar. Forget the overwhelming to-do list that grows endlessly. Instead, allocate specific time slots in your calendar for tasks, using your exi...

Join Matt Robison and me as we delve into the intricate world of inherited IRAs. In the first quarter of 2023, Americans held over $12 trillion in IRAs, and if you've inherited some of that wealth, there's a lot you need to know. We'll clarify who qualifies as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB), the impact of the Secure Act 1.0's 10-year rule, and the importance of understanding required min...

In this week’s podcast, Matt Robison and I delve into the world of "home hacking," a trend that's gaining traction in the realm of real estate. But forget about the usual DIY tricks to boost your home's value – we're talking about doubling your net worth through unconventional living arrangements. Imagine living with your mom as the key to unlocking financial prosperity. Sounds intriguing, right?...

In this week's episode, Matt Robison and I delve into the essential lesson from renowned economist Robert Shiller: don't get swept away by stock market hype. Join us as we explore the implications of the Shiller PE ratio, currently standing at a lofty "34," we unpack Shiller's groundbreaking research and its practical applications for investors. With a focus on the importance of valuation and main...

In this week's podcast, Matt Robison and I, Mike Morton, delve into the world of charitable giving and the benefits of using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) into your philanthropic strategy. A DAF functions like a personal account where you can deposit various assets, such as cash, stocks, or cryptocurrencies, which then become charitable donations. We explore nine compelling reasons why utilizing a DA...

In today's episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison introduce a revolutionary solution to alleviate financial anxiety: the Joker Fund. Inspired by the infamous line from The Dark Knight, "Nobody panics when things go according to plan," they emphasize the importance of planning ahead to tackle irregular expenses that often leave individuals feeling financially overwhelmed. With statistics showing tha...