Something More with Chris Boyd

When to Buy Municipal Bonds – Municipal bonds are debt securities issued by governmental entities to finance public projects like schools, highways, or water systems. For investors seeking stability and tax advantages, municipal bonds can be an appealing component of a diversified portfolio. However, as with any investment, they are rarely a good choice as their suitability depends on individual c...

OBBB Is Law, So What's In It? – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry get into the weeds of the One Big Beautiful Bill recently signed by President Trump. The episode begins with a broad overview of the Trump agenda that was included in the OBBB, including additional funds for the military, border security, and an extension of the tax cuts. Jeff highlights that many provisions of the OBBB are favorable toward...

Focus on the 2nd Half – As we enter the second half of 2025 with the stock market at record high levels, Senior Portfolio Manager Brian Regan joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry for a detailed review of the first half of the year and an outlook for the remainder of 2025. With a focus on valuation metrics, Brian offers general commentary on the stock market as well as specific sectors, including utilit...

Taxes, Timing, and Total Wealth – A Holistic Approach In this insightful episode of Something More with Chris Boyd , Chris and Russ Ball explore the critical role of integrated financial planning—where tax strategy, investment management, and life goals come together to create a truly comprehensive approach to wealth.  What you'll learn: Why tax planning is more than just filing—it's about lifetim...

2025 At The Half – A Mid-Year Market Check-In As we hit the halfway mark of 2025, Chris Boyd and Russ Ball of the AMR team at Wealth Enhancement take a thoughtful look at the year's financial journey so far. From market volatility and tariff tensions to geopolitical shifts and AI-driven optimism, this episode dives into the key forces shaping the investment landscape.  Get insights on: Market perf...

The Purpose Code – Worried about your purpose? Most people are. But no one has to be Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry welcome Dr. Jordan Grumet, M.D. (see website link below) for a lively discussion about Dr. Grumet's self-improvement book "The Purpose Code" which shows how to make your mark and how to set goals in life without falling into the anxiety traps of conventional success principles books. Dr....

Climbing the Wall of Worry – In the context of the endless news cycle of significant political, economic, and geo-political events, Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball discuss what an investor should do with all the external market risks, while at the same time, we are reaching record high levels for several market indices.  Topics covered include tariffs, debt-ceiling, Iran, immigration, and th...

Time to Open the Mailbag – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry open the Mailbag and answer listener and client questions. The episode opens with a listener question asking, I have multiple IRAs, how many RMDs do I need to take each year? Chris and Jeff next answer what is the Rule of 25? The next topic is one based on television and radio commercials selling Home Title Lock Insurance – Chris and Jeff explai...

IRA Age Milestones – If you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), are you aware of the many key age milestones? Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry take you through a chronological timeline from childhood to your mid- seventies as they discuss twelve key ages and relatively unknown opportunities related to your IRA that could boost your savings and reduce your income taxes. Click the link below to re...

Things to consider before buying a second home – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry are joined by Britta Ferguson CFP®, CEPA® who is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor with Wealth Enhancement to explore the pros and cons of owning a second home (vacation home). The discussion begins with "try before you buy" advice and the distinction between an investment property that you may use part-time compar...

Targets of Fraud – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 and according to the World Health Organization, one in six people 60 years and older experience financial fraud or abuse each year. Elder fraud reports to the FBI's Crime Complaint Center have risen by 14%, with an average loss of $34K (see link below). Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball dig into the statistics and discuss the most c...

Best Books? – Chris Boyd opens this episode with a story from his most recent trip to the dentist where the hygienist was asking for financial planning book recommendations and advice as to how she should go about finding a financial planner who is willing to work with someone who has a modest income and assets. Chris and co-host Jeff Perry suggest a wide variety of books for people at various sta...

5 Biggest Stealth Retirement Costs – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry review a recent article from Kiplinger's magazine (linked below) as they discuss the "Five Biggest Stealth Costs in Retirement." The conversation begins with the notion that most people planning for retirement have a basic understanding of their future cash flow needs. Chris and Jeff dig into the costs that many people make incorrect a...

Don't Assume – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball explore several financial planning assumptions people sometimes make that are often not true. The episode begins with Russ Ball outlining a new "super catch-up" for workers ages 60-64, which leads to an overall review of retirement account limits and special catch-up opportunities. Jeff shares clients' stories where two public employees incorrec...

One Big Beautiful Bill – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball dig into the recently passed House of Representatives Budget Bill known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The trio discusses the key items in the Bill, including making the Tax and Job Act income tax reductions permanent, eliminating taxes on overtime and tips, and increases in border and military spending. Jeff notes that the promises...

Navigating Economic Waves: A Portfolio Strategy - Brian Regan joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry to discuss a recent article Brian authored (see link below) which suggests that staying calm and ensuring that investment strategies are robust and adaptable, one can weather the economic "storms" triggered by tariff policy and related economic news. Brian comments that, "Just like a well-prepared vessel...

IRA Beneficiaries: Who Inherits What and When? – Just back from the Ed Slott Conference, Chris Boyd shares his in-depth commentary on how the Secure Act changed rules for distributing assets from an inherited IRA. Chris is joined by co-host Jeff Perry as they explore the sometimes confusing and technical rules of the three distinct categories of IRA beneficiaries. Chris outlines the basic rules as...

Mail Bag – Jeff Perry and Russ Ball dig into the Team AMR Mail Bag and answer questions from listeners. Included in this episode are, "I have read that my household expenses will go down when I retire, but I don't understand why." "I know that I need a Will, but don't know who in my family I should choose to take care of my estate.  Who should be my Personal Representative/Executor?" "I'm 49 years...

College Planning – As it is the time of year for high school and college graduations, Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss a wide variety of topics regarding planning for college. The conversation begins with the use of 529's as the foundation for most families to save for future educational expenses. Jeff outlines the basics of how a 529 plan operates and the benefits of using one. Jeff & Russ next e...

BUFFETT! – With the recent retirement announcement from Warren Buffett, Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Brian Regan reflect on the amazing life and the many financial lessons of Warren Buffett. Brian leads the conversation with a brief biographical summary of Buffett's early years and reflections of how Buffett influenced his views on investing. Jeff weighs in with Buffett's dislike of using leverage...

Yellin & the News – After attending the CFA Society of Boston Annual Market Dinner, Chris Boyd offers his thoughts from Janet Yellen's keynote speech. Chris reviews Yellen's negative views on broad-based tariffs and other policies of President Trump. Jeff Perry joins the conversation as it shifts to other items in the news including more on tariffs, the Federal Reserve interest rate decision, new...

Raising a financially literate child – Jeff Perry and Russ Ball offer suggestions and commentary about positive way to pass on personal finance lessons and values to your children through various stages of development. Jeff & Russ discuss the importance of positive role modeling (or at least not negative), explaining the three purposes of money, use of allowances, at what age is a debit card a...

Annual reviews and why you need one – You have probably heard all the reasons why you need a comprehensive financial plan. In this episode Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss why it is critical to review your plan at least annually. Topics covered include responding to life changes, investment objectives, time horizons, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, cash-flows, life insurance needs, legacy plannin...

Mr. Market is both charming and bipolar – With all the recent volatility in the stock market, Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss a recent article published in BottomLine magazine which highlights the investing lessons from Benjamim Graham, who authored "The Intelligent Investor" in 1949. Jeff & Russ outline the lessons from Mr. Graham who describes "Mr. Market" as a bipolar fellow, very charming but...

Federal Employees: Retirement & Layoffs - Planning during DOGE – with Brian Kuhn, CFP – With all the recent news stories concerning workforce reduction and changes that Federal employees may be facing, Chris Boyd welcomes fellow Wealth Enhancement Certified Financial Planner Brian Kuhn to the podcast. Brian provides an overview of the retirement system and benefits provided to Federal employees. C...