Episodios

  • The Tough Topics: Talking Money with Kids & Tackling the Survivor’s Penalty
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode of the Dollars & Sense Financial Podcast, host Joel Garris dives into two essential and often overlooked topics: how to discuss finances with your kids and how to prepare for the survivor’s penalty when losing a partner. 💬💰

    Joel begins by addressing the taboo nature of financial conversations within families. He highlights the importance of teaching the next generation about money management, providing practical tips like clearing the air, seeking quality educational resources, and clarifying expectations. He also shares stories from his experience at NFP, emphasizing how early conversations can prevent poor financial decisions and foster financial independence. 📚👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

    The conversation then shifts to the financial challenges faced after losing a spouse, often referred to as the "survivor’s penalty." Joel explains both the immediate impact of income loss and the delayed effect of higher taxes due to a shift to single filing status. He stresses the importance of forward planning, from income strategies to multi-year tax projections, to minimize the financial burden during an already difficult time. 🕊️📊

    #FinancialPlanning #MoneyTalks #FamilyFinance #SurvivorsPenalty #DollarsAndSensePodcast #JoelGarris #MoneyMatters 💵📈
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    40 m
  • Path to Becoming a Millionaire & Smart Portfolio Rebalancing Tips
    May 26 2025
    Looking to unlock the secret to millionaire status while keeping your investments on track? This week's episode of Dollars & Sense dives into the surprising path most U.S. millionaires take—hint: it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme—and reveals how consistent retirement contributions can transform your financial future. 💵💡

    Plus, we’re tackling the essentials of portfolio rebalancing! Learn when and why it’s time to adjust your investments to stay aligned with your goals, avoid tax surprises, and optimize your returns. Whether you're navigating life changes or market shifts, we've got practical tips to keep you ahead. 🔄📊

    Stay tuned for insights on sneaky retirement expenses, the truth about real estate vs. stocks, and much more. Don’t miss this episode—it could change your financial game forever! 🏆✨

    #DollarsAndSense #MillionaireMindset #RetirementSavings #PortfolioRebalancing #FinancialFreedom #MoneyTips #InvestingSmart #WealthBuilding #FinanceGoals
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    41 m
  • Hot Financial Topics: Student Loan Collections & Upcoming Tax Changes
    May 19 2025
    Ready for some 🔥 financial updates? In this episode of the Dollars and Sense podcast, Kristin Castello and Chet Cowart dive deep into two major conversations affecting your wallet:

    💸 **Student Loans in Collections**: Millions of borrowers are facing collections and garnished wages as repayment policies resume. Find out how to navigate these challenges and plan ahead for your financial future.
    📊 **Tax Changes on the Horizon**: Will Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire? Or will new provisions, including deductions for tips, overtime, and senior benefits, take center stage? Get the scoop on potential tax changes and how they could impact you and your business.

    Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical advice, real talk, and expert tips from our guest hosts. Tune in now to stay informed and empowered!

    📢Got questions, comments, or a topic you'd like us to discuss? Don't hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

    #DollarSensePodcast #StudentLoans #TaxUpdates #FinancialTips #MoneyMatters #PodcastEpisode #FinanceGoals 🎧✨
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    41 m
  • Investment Types to Avoid & Updating Your Estate Plan
    May 12 2025
    Join us on this week's episode of Dollars & Sense for some insightful discussions about the investments you should be cautious about and the important moments to update your estate plan. 💼📈

    We kick off the episode with an in-depth look at hedge funds and ETFs, highlighting their potential pitfalls. Did you know that hedge funds can be highly leveraged and come with hefty management fees that eat into your returns? 🧮📉 Learn how these investments might not be as beneficial as they seem and what you can do to safeguard your portfolio. 🌐📊

    Next, we delve into the importance of updating your estate plan. Life is full of changes, and your estate plan should reflect that. Whether it's a change in marital status, a major life event for a beneficiary, or moving to a new state or country, keeping your estate plan up-to-date ensures that your wishes are accurately represented. 📜🖋️ Discover the key moments when revisiting your estate documents is crucial, and get tips on making the process smoother and more comprehensive. 🌟🏡

    #InvestingWisely #EstatePlanning #FinancialAdvice #HedgeFunds #ETFs #PlanningAhead #FinanceTips #PodcastEpisode #Mother'sDay #InterestRates #Tariffs
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    41 m
  • Tax Trouble Spots and Charitable Giving Strategies
    May 5 2025
    In this episode of Dollars & Sense, financial expert hosts Joel and Christina delve into the complexities of tax season and share the top 10 tax trouble spots that individuals face. They discuss critical issues such as the taxation of social security, where increased income can lead to higher taxes on these benefits, and the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) recapture related to the Affordable Care Act, which can result in significant repayments if income approximations are incorrect.

    💰 The hosts also highlight recent significant corporate earnings, noting that companies like Microsoft and Facebook have reported impressive growth, which impacts investors' portfolios and tax liabilities. Joel and Christina emphasize the importance of understanding how capital gains, dividends, and interest income can affect overall tax obligations.

    🎁 Joel shares insights from his recent speech at a planned giving luncheon hosted by Heart of Florida United Way. The duo explains 8 strategies for successful charitable giving, including writing checks, making qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from retirement accounts, gifting appreciated assets to avoid capital gains taxes, and utilizing donor-advised funds (DAFs) for flexible long-term giving. They also discuss the benefits of direct bequests and the use of private family foundations for sharing philanthropic values with the next generation.

    📈 Joel and Christina provide valuable tips for efficient financial planning, emphasizing the importance of having a formal plan to safeguard and grow wealth. Individuals with a financial plan are significantly better prepared for retirement.

    Tune in for practical advice to navigate tax regulations, maximize your charitable contributions, and achieve long-term financial success.
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    40 m
  • Understanding the Math in Financial Decisions & Wealth Transfer Tips
    Apr 28 2025
    📈💰 In this week's episode of Dollars & Sense, we dive deep into the importance of math when making investment decisions. Learn how accurate calculations can make or break your financial future. 🤔💡 We share a specific example of a costly mistake made when not performing basic math before investing. Discover how proper math can reveal true rates of return and help you make wiser choices. 🧮📊

    Plus, we explore the great wealth transfer expected over the next 20 years, where nearly $73 trillion will be passed from the older generation to the next. 🏦📜 Get essential tips to ensure a smooth transition, including having your paperwork in order, regularly reviewing your plans, seeking professional advice, and clear communication with beneficiaries. 💼📑
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    40 m
  • Pet Estate Planning Tips, Market Insights, and Retirement Secrets!
    Apr 21 2025
    🚀 Dive into this week's episode where we cover EVERYTHING from volatile markets 📈 to savvy pet financial planning 🐶🐱, and the secret sauce to a successful retirement! 🏖️

    🔥 Key insights:
    • The alarming rise of market volatility and investor sentiment. 📊
    • Protecting and preparing for your pets in case of your untimely demise. 🐾
    • Why having a formal financial plan can make a HUGE difference in your wealth at retirement. 🏆
    📅 Plus, we discuss the exciting news of our book Next Gen’s Dollars And Sense being featured at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! 📚✨

    Tune in now for expert advice and practical tips that you can implement today! 🎧💡

    #FinancialPodcast #RetirementPlanning #PetCare #MarketVolatility #FinancialLiteracy #BookFestival #LosAngelesTimes #NextGenDollarsAndSense #WealthManagement #ExpertAdvice #SavvyInvesting #FinancialGoals #WeLoveOurPets
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    39 m
  • Market Boom & Social Security Changes for Public Employees
    Apr 14 2025
    This week's episode of Dollars & Sense dives deep into the latest market developments following President Trump's suspension of tariffs, showcasing an unprecedented surge in the Dow, SP500, and Nasdaq. Hosts Rob Field and Joel Garris delve into the historical significance of such market swings and emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent investment strategy amidst volatility.

    The episode also covers significant changes to the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision, highlighting the positive impact on public employees like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Stay tuned for insights and expert advice on navigating the financial landscape!

    #DollarsAndSense #MarketNews #SocialSecurity #InvestmentTips #FinancialPlanning
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    41 m
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