Real Personal Finance

Retirement is supposed to be the reward after decades of hard work, but for many, the hardest part is learning how to actually spend the money they’ve saved. In this episode, we explore why that transition feels so uncomfortable and how creating a retirement paycheck can help make spending feel safe and sustainable. We talk through the natural phases of retirement spending, the risks of being too...

Why do some people delay retirement when they’re more than ready, while others want out the moment they hit the financial edge? In this episode, we explore the emotional weight behind retirement decisions, from the fear of losing identity to the overlooked value of early, healthy retirement years. You’ll hear how flexible paths like consulting or “dialing down” can offer purpose and freedom withou...

What should you do with extra cash when markets feel shaky? In this episode, we break down why your savings rate is the real engine of wealth, and how understanding the purpose behind your money brings clarity to every financial decision. You’ll learn why market downturns can be golden opportunities, but only if your foundation is solid and your timeline matches the risk. We also share how investm...

Is market volatility really all about tariffs? In the wake of the unexpectedly aggressive “Liberation Day,” headlines would have you believe so. But the bigger culprit isn’t trade policy—it’s uncertainty. While U.S. markets have taken a noticeable hit, international developed markets are down only about 1.3% as of this recording. So what’s really going on? In this episode, we break down what inves...

Balancing today’s lifestyle with tomorrow’s goals isn’t easy, but it’s doable. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about 401(k) contribution limits and employer matching, which opens up a broader conversation about financial flexibility and smart savings strategies. We break down 2025 contribution limits, including catch-up provisions for those over 50, and clarify what counts to...

Major financial transitions don't have to be binary choices – testing your assumptions before making big moves can prevent costly mistakes and regrets. In this episode, Nick and Scott talk about test-driving potential life transitions to help guide your decisions.  • Looking at buying a home? Try setting aside the difference between rent and projected homeownership costs • Practice living on...

In the face of the uncertainty of life, it’s difficult knowing that many things are out of your control. Focusing on your financial well-being can often feel daunting, especially with the unpredictability of markets. In this episode, we discuss aspects of your financial journey that you can control, like… - The importance of having a structured financial plan - Cash flow: savings, spending, debt,...

This week, we welcome new co-host Nick Covyeau, a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Swell Financial Partners, to discuss safe retirement spending strategies. We talk about the different approaches to withdrawal rates and the factors that can impact these decisions including retirement timing, portfolio balance, navigating market changes and planning for big purchases. We cover all this and...

The S&P 500 was up 25% in 2024, so is that all you need for a strong financial future? Not so fast. Putting all your money in one place—even a good one—is risky. Smart investors look beyond the U.S. to global markets, small-value stocks, and international giants like Toyota and Taiwan Semiconductor. More variety = less risk. Join us to see just how staying broadly diversified means so much mor...

If you’re tired of checking on your portfolio every day, we’ve got good news! In this episode, we go back to Investing 101 to look at the basic principles of a healthy outlook on the markets. Join us for this quick overview of how to avoid the traps that others fall into and keep your financial plan on target! Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial   Leave me a questi...

The new year is a great time to do an annual review. In this episode, we look at five things to look at regarding your investments to help you make the most of your money.  Join us as we look at some of the simplest ways you can help keep your financial plan on track! Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning Leave us a q...

New year, new you, new episode! Failed New Year’s resolutions are so cliche. How can you achieve lasting results, whether you’re trying to get healthy, save more money, or something else? Tune in to hear how you can set yourself up for success – as well as our favorite financial habits for the new year! Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn ...

What does your most fulfilled life look like? If you’re not sure, then this episode is for you.  Join us as we discuss three questions to help you uncover what is most important to you! Resources mentioned in this episode: Goals for Life Worksheet Kinder’s 3 Questions Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning Leave us a q...

To be a home owner or not to be a home owner, that is the question – and the answer is anything but simple! Tune in as we discuss when home ownership makes sense and when it may be better to rent.  Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning Leave us a question!  Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re...

Roth conversions can be a great tool for minimizing your tax burden, but you don’t want to jump in blind. If you have a 401(k) and/or an IRA, you don’t want to miss this episode. Join us as we look at the what, when and why of Roth conversions. Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning Leave us a question!  Money can be c...

Ever wonder what exactly a financial advisor does? In our latest episode, we’re going beyond investments and insurance to look at the big picture of everything we do as advisors. Join us as we pull back the curtain on what we do, how we think about it, and how we help our clients. Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning...

Sitting down to do a tax projection can make a huge impact on the amount of taxes you pay – but you have to do it before December 31! Whether you’re expecting next year to be a high- or low-income year, join us as we discuss how a tax projection can help minimize your tax burden. Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  Flow Financial Planning...

We’re back with another look at open enrollment decisions! This time, we’re talking life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k)s and more. Join us as we discuss which options make sense, and which you could probably ignore. Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn   Flow Financial Planning Leave us a question!  Money can be confusing—but it does...

Open enrollment season is almost here! Do you know what you’ll need for health insurance next year?  Join us as we look at the most important factors to consider when choosing your plan.  Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn   Flow Financial Planning Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complex...

If your financial goals always feel like they’re just out of reach, you’re not alone! In this episode, we talk about the dissonance between your financial plan and real life – and how to put your advisor’s best advice into action more consistently. Join us as we discuss the stories and strategies that make financial planning such a dynamic and important journey. Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank o...

Should you join an exchange fund? Can they really minimize taxes? What are the potential downsides? What are your other options? Do we recommend them? Join us as we talk through the pros and cons of exchange funds, plus a few alternatives that could provide added protection without all the complexity.  Ready to learn more?  Scott Frank on LinkedIn  Stone Steps Financial  Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn  ...

It’s election time again and right on cue, everything feels a little out of control. But should it? What does history have to say about market behavior around elections? Join us as we consider the influence of Democrats vs. Republicans, presidents vs. senators, the Fed vs. the DOJ, and more as we seek to find where politics and economics overlap (and where they don’t). Plus, we’ll zoom in to see h...

How do financial advisors mix stocks, bonds, and cash to achieve the best returns to meet each person’s financial needs? In today’s episode, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt discuss the unique risks and potential returns each one offers; focusing on these primary asset classes can lead to a more stable and profitable investment strategy. They dive into the various types of bonds—government, municipal,...

People say it’s just business, it’s not emotional, but that’s really not the case. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott Frank, founder of Stone Steps Financial, and Meg Bartelt, founder of Flow Financial Planning, LLC, tackle the psychological minefield of investment decisions and uncover how recent trends, like the meteoric rise of big tech stocks, can warp your perspective. They delve...

How prepared are you for a financial crisis when job security feels more fragile than ever? In today's episode, Scott Frank and Meg Bartelt break down the essential steps to creating a strong emergency plan able to withstand the tech industry’s volatile job market. Learn how to navigate financial instability with actionable strategies.  In order to save money, people are often advised to cut...