Great Points

On today's episode, Matt talks with Stephen DiGregorio, the founder and owner of "Protecting your Assets LLC," a legal firm focused on Estate Planning.  Matt and Steve talk about what it means to have an estate plan, and they take on some misconceptions people frequently have.  What is a Health Care Proxy or a Springing Power of Attorney? Whether you have $50 in the bank or $10 mill...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about whether college is worth the cost and he gives some examples of the right questions to ask. What are some things to consider before deciding to enroll in an expensive college education?  What are the other options?  As with many financial decisions, there is not just one right answer, but having a plan and doing some calculations can help y...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to an article he read on LinkedIn about supporting local by paying in cash.  Is paying in cash actually better for a business? And more importantly, what makes more sense for you?  Matt talks through the psychology of using cash versus credit and some tips for making the most of both approaches.

On today's episode of Great Points, fresh off re-watching Schitt's Creek, Matt talks through some of the money lessons that came to mind.  How can you raise your kids to understand money? Matt shares some tips for helping your children understand the value of a dollar.  Whether they are young kids, recent graduates, or mid-career professionals who may inherit some money, communication is...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about some of the financial planning lessons he learned from watching Bye Bye Barry, the documentary about the life and career of Barry Sanders.  While one of the best running backs of all time, Barry Sanders is perhaps most famous for retiring while still in his prime.  Why did Barry give up the game when he was the peak of his earning power? Li...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder and Brandon Parker talk about the giving season and how you can include charitable giving in your plan.  The holiday season is a great time of year to give back to your community, so listen in for some tips to maximize the impact of your contribution, whether monetary or otherwise! 

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks to Bill Hooper, who recently sold his  business after 20+ years.  They talk about Bill's experience as a business owner, and ultimately what made him decide to sell.  They also talk in depth about the sale process, owner financing, and what comes after "retiring" from your business .  If you are a business owner, or even just consi...

On today's episode, Matt talks about how Certificates of Deposit work and some of the pros and cons of buying them.  While an annual yield of 5% sounds attractive in a vacuum, what are some of the things to consider before buying CDs?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and his colleague Brandon discuss some tips and ideas for helping to stay within your budget during the holiday season.  It's tricky to say no to family, friends, and charities, but what are some ways you can still manage to be generous without breaking the bank?

On today's episode, Matt records in front of a live audience to talk about a few conversations he's overheard in the Barber shop.  First he discusses a case where a couple is moving in together and trying to decide whether they should rent out their second condo versus sell it.  Next, Matt talks about a man who moved his whole portfolio to CDs this year.  Did these folks do the right thi...

On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss "Open Enrollment" and how to decide which benefits to enroll in through your employer.  While insurance may not be the most exciting topic, enrolling in the right coverage for you can pay huge dividends down the road.  Learn about deductibles, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability insurance, and more to help decide what benefits fit...

On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss what to look for when changing jobs.  Whether you are hoping for a pay raise, thinking of getting an advanced degree, or looking to do something entirely different, what are some of the key things to consider?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to make the most of the time you spend working on your personal finances.  Is it on investment returns, cash flow, or something else?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss goal setting and how you can create an actionable plan to reach those goals.  Whether you have existing goals you've let lapse a bit, or you want to set new ones, creating accountability will help you stay on track.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks a little about deferred compensation, fringe benefits, and other employee benefits that are designed to "lock you in" to your current employer.  When is it time to walk away from a job, and how should we think about leaving money on the table when we do?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about a fairly common challenge for very future oriented people...how can they actually spend their money and not feel guilty about it?  By bucketing out "fun money", you or your thrifty loved one can enjoy some responsible spending without putting long-term goals at risk.

On this episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss some books they've recently read that you can take to the beach or wherever you do your reading.  They discuss a couple lighter options, and also a few for those who want to go deeper on their financial learning.   "Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel "Your Money and Your Brain" by Jason Zweig "Your Money or...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt answers three questions from his friend and former colleague Jason Roberts of Oracle.  Jason is wondering how he can possibly manage to pay for 4 kids to go to college, what he should do with his Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and whether a Roth conversion would be right for him?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about some of the traditional assumptions we make about retirement, and what are some other options available.  What if retirement isn't just about working until 65 and then stopping cold turkey?

On today's episode, Matt talks with colleague Brandon Parker about the value of networking, especially early in your career.  Whether you work in sales, the trades, or even work at a big Fortune 500 company, expanding your network has many benefits beyond just finding your next job.  Matt and Brandon discuss some strategies for building relationships and how building a network can open doors...

On today's episode, Matt speaks with Sharon Billings, Life Coach and Founder of Blue Compass Life.  They talk about some behavioral challenges people face in life and personal finance.  What are some of the myths or mental blocks that hold people back?  Are there different patterns for different genders or generations? 

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks in depth about Inflation Bonds (i bonds) and how they may fit into your investment portfolio.  Much like CDs, these instruments are paying higher rates than they have in years, but understanding how they work and the risks associated can help you make the best choice for your circumstances.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt analyzes the current state of the housing market and how to decide the right path for you.  The decision to buy a house is complex, and there are many things to think about.  Here are some factors to consider and calculations that can help you make an informed decision you won't regret later.

On today's episode, Matt talks with Heather Tharpe, a licensed wellness coach and hypnotherapist based in Wenham, MA.  Heather asks Matt about how to overcome fear of investment loss, how to prepare for a working retirement, and how to live her life today without worrying about tomorrow, with a few pop culture references mixed in.  They also cover house downsizing considerations and how to ap...

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Great Point Wealth Advisors founder and Chief Investment Officer, Pete Disch, about recent news regarding the US economy.  They touch on inflation, the market's reaction to recent economic data, and reading recommendations to become a better investor.