Live Well - Tools for a Healthier, Wealthier Life

Matt Wilson caps off the four pillars of successful investing series with the pillar he believes matters most: long-term perspective. Without it, quality investments, balance, and proper diversification simply can't do their job. Matt reframes what "long-term" actually means, moving past the conventional five or ten year window toward something far more honest: the rest of your life, whatever that...

In the third installment of the four-part series on the pillars of successful investing, Matt Wilson tackles what he calls one of the most misunderstood concepts in all of investing: diversification. Spreading your money across multiple banks, multiple advisors, and a stack of CDs may feel like protection, but Matt makes the case that it's nothing more than location. True diversification, he expla...

Matt Wilson breaks down the second pillar of successful investing: balance. From the bucket strategy that takes the fear out of market volatility to the real cost of panic selling, this episode delivers the statistics and frameworks every investor needs to stay disciplined when markets get turbulent. KEY TAKEAWAYS ● Balance is the secret weapon of successful investors, and going all in on one idea...

Welcome to the first episode of a four-part series on investing! Matt focuses on building wealth the right way, through solid principles, discipline, and long-term strategy, not chasing trends or media hype. Learn what makes an investment truly “quality” and how it can help secure your financial future.

One of the biggest challenges in retirement isn’t just saving enough money. It’s turning those savings into a reliable, sustainable income stream. That’s where the bucket strategy comes in. Matt explains that by dividing assets into separate “buckets” for short-term needs and long-term growth, retirees can create structure and clarity in their plan. This approach helps reduce stress, prevent impul...

Grief is a universal part of life, yet it follows no set timeline and offers no simple roadmap. This week, Scott and Nancy Bonner, facilitators of a local GriefShare chapter, explore the deeply personal journey of coping with the loss of a loved one. Together, they discuss the vital role of community, the importance of facing and acknowledging grief, and how shared experiences can help break the i...

Are you making the most of your 409 deferred compensation plan? For high earners, these plans can reduce today’s taxes and boost retirement savings, but once you choose your payout structure, it’s usually irrevocable. Before deciding, consider three things: the tax impact, how the payouts fit into your retirement income plan, and your employer’s financial stability.

This week, Matt and Steve continue their discussion on the financial realities of raising a child with special needs, and the numbers may surprise you. Families can face lifetime costs ranging from $1.4 million to $2.8 million, making early and intentional planning essential. Matt and Steve explore key financial tools, such as special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and explain how they can help p...

Caring for a loved one with special needs comes with emotional and practical challenges that require strength, resilience, and support. In this episode, Matt is joined by Steve Gundy, a coach who shares insights from both personal experience and professional work. They discuss the importance of community, practical strategies for navigating daily challenges, and how families can move forward with...

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a powerful way to give to charity while maximizing tax benefits. Matt explains how a DAF works, why it’s especially useful in high-income years, and how donating appreciated assets can help avoid capital gains taxes while growing charitable dollars tax-free. Listen to see if a donor-advised fund could be a smart fit for your charitable strategy.

What if just 15 minutes a week could improve both your family’s finances and your relationships? Listen as Matt explores the power of a weekly family money meeting, a simple habit that can reduce stress, improve communication, and create a shared understanding around money.

You can save more in your 401(k) than you think. The after-tax 401(k) option for high savers is often overlooked. In 2025, while the employee contribution limit was $22,500, total 401(k) contributions can reach $69,000, including employer match. Always review your plan rules to see if this option fits your strategy. #AfterTax401k #MegaBackdoorRoth #RetirementPlanning #HighIncomeSavers #WealthBuild...

Can you claim a spousal Social Security benefit now and switch to your own later? In this episode, Matt breaks down why, for most people, the answer is no. Thanks to a rule called deemed filing, anyone born on or after January 2, 1954, automatically applies for both their own and their spouse's benefits at the same time and receives the higher amount. That means the old strategy of claiming one be...

This week, Matt is joined by Keith Langan from Columbia Threadneedle to explore the complexities of retirement, focusing on seven key aspects that are often overlooked. Contrary to common perception, retirement is not just a celebration of newfound freedom; it can be one of life’s most stressful transitions. Leaving the structured rhythm of work can bring losses in routine, identity, community, an...

In this episode, Matt and Lyndon Azcuna continue their discussion on how addiction develops, why it’s so hard to break, and what parents need to understand to protect their children. They break down the addiction cycle in simple terms, exploring the triggers that push kids toward unhealthy coping habits and the emotional pain that often sits beneath those patterns. You’ll hear practical, non-negot...

This week, Lyndon Azcuna returns to discuss the complex realities of addiction, personal crises, and the transformative power of healing within community. Matt and Lyndon unpack the many layers of addiction, exploring not only the behavioral aspects but also the emotional and psychological roots that often fuel these struggles. Lyndon shares why true healing goes far beyond managing symptoms; it r...

When you borrow against your 401(k), you’re not just taking out a loan; you’re giving up the potential growth your investments could have earned. While tapping into your retirement savings might seem like an easy solution, Matt breaks down the hidden costs and long-term consequences that often go overlooked. Listen as Matt dives into the important factors to consider before borrowing from your 401...

Grief is universal, but how we face it can change everything. This week, Matt continues his conversation with longtime friend and chaplain Dan Duncan to discuss loss, healing, and hope. Together, Matt and Dan confront the staggering reality of veteran suicide and share real strategies for finding strength through vulnerability, community, and care. They also discuss how to navigate grief and suppo...

Did you know that only one in four wealthy people actually has a solid estate plan? That means three out of four are leaving their money exposed to lawsuits, market drops, and even medical emergencies. If you’ve worked hard to build your wealth, you’ve got to make sure it’s protected.

This week, Matt Wilson welcomes his longtime friend and chaplain, Dan Duncan, for an intimate conversation about the realities of grief and loss. Drawing from personal experiences, including the death of his newborn grandson, Dan shares how grief is not an emotion to overcome, but a journey to walk through with compassion, faith, and community. Together, Matt and Dan explore what it means to live...

In this episode of The Live Well Podcast, host Matt Wilson speaks with Joe Keifer, Founder of Cornerstone Wealth Management. Matt and Joe unpack what it means to establish trust, credibility, and a client-first mindset, core ingredients for lasting impact in any venture. Joe also shares how taking calculated risks and building strong support systems have shaped his success.  Whether you’re st...

Wealth isn’t just about what you build, it’s about how you protect it.  Are your heirs prepared to manage what they’ll inherit? And are your advisors working together for your best interests, not their own? True wealth preservation means more than investments; it’s planning ahead so your legacy lasts.

This week, Matt Wilson and guest Lyndon Azcuna explore the importance of using practical tools to navigate life’s complexities and foster personal growth. They discuss the role of self-awareness and humility as key drivers of personal development and highlight the value of a biblical worldview in addressing life’s challenges. Matt and Lyndon also share actionable resources and frameworks.  Li...

63% of people live paycheck to paycheck, even on $100K+. Lifestyle creep is killing your savings. In under 60 seconds, learn how to fix it with the 3-way raise rule: save some, invest some, upgrade a little. It's not about restriction, it's about retention.

In this episode, Matt takes on the confusing world of Medicare, a critical piece of healthcare that most people face as they approach retirement. To help unpack the details, Matt sits down with Medicare specialist Kyle Moore. Together, they dive into the different parts of Medicare, exploring what each one covers, what they cost, and the real-world implications for retirees.  Along the way, K...