If you’re a Gen X or millennial parent, college costs are no longer a distant concern: they're on your doorstep. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard walk through four essential steps to help Gen X and millennial parents avoid overpaying for college. With tuition costs rising and financial aid more confusing than ever, they break down how to stay in the driver’s seat and making sure you don’t let a 17-year-old make a six-figure decision on their own. Learn how ...

Gen X is starting to inherit trillions… and most people have no idea what to do with it. Inheriting money is emotional: Grief. Guilt. Pressure. And if you’re not prepared, that money can disappear fast. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the biggest mistakes people make with an inheritance and how to avoid them. You’ll learn what to do before you spend a dime, how to avoid the tax traps, and how to turn a windfall into lasting pea...

In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down how Generation X’s financial journey compares to those of boomers and millennials, and why it feels so different. They dive into the timing of economic downturns, shifting family roles, and how these factors have shaped Gen X’s retirement outlook. Plus, they share some practical steps Gen Xers can take to navigate the challenges and build a solid plan for the future. Watch On YouTube: WHY GEN-X FEELS BEHIND Want t...

Making a high income doesn’t always mean peace of mind. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack why so many people who appear financially successful still feel anxious and behind. They explore what real wealth actually looks like—and how to redefine success on your own terms. Watch On YouTube: WHY DON'T I FEEL WEALTHY? Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact ...

Juggling the financial and emotional demands of aging parents, growing kids, and your own future can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the realities of being a part of the sandwich generation, share strategies to avoid common financial pitfalls, and offer practical ways to protect your own financial well-being without sacrificing your loved ones’ needs. Watch On YouTube: STUCK BETWEEN GENERATIONS Want to talk to an advisor about...

Kick off 2025 with Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard as they tackle one of the hottest questions on everyone’s mind: Is now the right time to buy a house? From mortgage rates to housing supply, they break down the key factors shaping today’s market. Plus, get practical, no-nonsense tips to help you decide if this is your year to take the leap into homeownership! In this episode, they discuss: What mortgage rates look like in 2025 and how it compares to historical rates&...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are wrapping up 2024 by talking about some popular "tax strategies" circulating TikTok and why they may be more risky than beneficial depending on your situation. In this episode, they discuss: The 6000 pound vehicle deduction and why it could cost more overall than what you end up saving in taxesUsing an LLC to write off anything under the sun and how this can end up coming back to bite you down the roadHow charitable donations relate to your tax ...

With the election right around the corner, Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are back to talk about what election years mean for the stock market as well as the misconceptions surrounding them. In this episode, they discuss: Why there tends to be more market volatility during election years compared to non-election yearsSome of the misconceptions surrounding this dynamic & what contributes to the increased volatilityHow election years compare to non-election years in overall pe...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are back with another great topic! In this episode, they go through 7 of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their retirement and what you can do to avoid them. They discuss: The importance of having a plan for your retirement and the ramifications of retiring without any planThe dangers of prioritizing saving for your child's college over saving for your retirement The risks you face when retiring with too much debt and the impa...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are back! In this episode, they talk about some interesting data which found that Baby Boomers seem to watch more television on average compared to younger generations. They discuss: Reasons for why Baby Boomers have the highest amount of time watching television among different generationsDiscrepancies in the results and other factors that could explain why it isn't as surprising as it initially seemsOther forms of visual media that younger ...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are wrapping up the year with 3 tax to-do items that could help your situation. They discuss: How your 401K contributions affect your taxes and what strategies you could employ to position yourself in a more favorable positionStrategies for grouping your donations/deductions to maximize your potential deduction positionThe benefits of contributing to an HSA and why it can provide multiple advantagesWatch Here: https://youtu.be/3lqqfxnuAyY Want to ...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard continue their discussion on housing and focus on the reasons (for some) why renting may be better than buying a home. They discuss: Benefits of renting vs buying a homeWhy money isn't the only factor to consider when looking at renting vs buyingWhat factors to consider before deciding to commit to either choiceWatch Here: https://youtu.be/rdbzByZXQYM Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.founda...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are talking about the housing market and 5 reasons you should buy a house. They discuss: Positive benefits from home ownershipThe opportunity cost associated with buying vs rentingWhat factors to consider before deciding to commit to a home purchaseWatch Here: https://youtu.be/Uic_htZgHig Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interested in hearing Sam & ...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are talking home prices and what could be causing the continued rise in home pricing. They discuss: 5 possible causes for the continued riseWhat factors are involved that can add to the confusion What to look for before considering a home buyWatch Here: https://youtu.be/9KwryhZ1NrM Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interested in hearing Sam & Co...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard dig into 5 things that leave many Americans confused when it comes to retirement. They discuss: 5 major questions and concerns Americans have about retirementWhat factors are involved that can add to the confusion Tips on how to avoid the confusion and keep your financial life on trackWatch Here: https://youtu.be/SAPcAbUmDjA Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® is joined by Brian Krukiel (co-founder of Foundation Wealth Partners) to talk more about bonds and the potential opportunities they can offer. They discuss: Why the bond market has more appeal and what factors contributed to the changeWhat the opportunities are available and why it may not last foreverWatch Here: https://youtu.be/LOdd_wPmydc Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard talk about the recent increase in foreclosures among Americans. They discuss: What factors could be influencing the foreclosure rateThe driving forces behind recent changes in American's economic outlookHow the foreclosures are related to other recent events in the economyWatch Here: https://youtu.be/72rng9YkY3A Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interest...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® is joined by Brian Krukiel (co-founder of Foundation Wealth Partners) to talk through the stock market's current state. They discuss: The state of the stock market today and what that could mean to regular investorsWhether or not the markets are overvalued and what this means for future eventsWatch Here: https://youtu.be/1M0tlZ-inBA Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interes...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard talk about 9 middle-class money traps many people find themselves in and how you can avoid them. They discuss: The dangers of "keeping up with the Joneses" The risks of taking on too much expensive debt (ex. credit cards)How falling into one trap can inevitably slide into another trap if someone doesn't take actionWatch Here: https://youtu.be/ZeguQN6Oyk4 Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: ww...

Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are talking about why more and more Americans think they'll never be able to retire and what to do about it. They discuss: Recent surveys that show the increasing number of Americans who feel they'll never be able to retireWhat factors could be causing the increase and what it could mean long termPossible solutions and actions you can take if you find yourself in a similar positionWatch Here: https://youtu.be/71nZvNqwhqw Want to talk to an a...