Are you truly diversified? In the latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, we dig into concentration risk in today’s market—and why even a broad index fund may be less diversified than it looks. As discussed by hosts Emily Agosto, CPA, and Amanda Vaught, JD, traditional wisdom says index funds are an easy route to diversification. But with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq heavily weighted in just a handful of giant tech and AI companies, there’s a new layer of risk to consider.   www.connectingthedollars.com

Retirement Curveballs: Prepare for Job Loss and Forced Early Retirement “Connecting the Dollars” podcast episode dives into a tough reality: most retirement plans don’t go exactly as imagined. Recent stats show that while 50% expect to ease into part-time work or consulting as they retire, only 19% actually manage that smooth transition.  www.connectingthedollars.com

Thinking about renting out your home or investing in rental property? On the latest episode of "Connecting the Dollars," we tackle the not-so-glamorous side of being a landlord. From legal liabilities and tax surprises to the true time commitment, there’s a lot to consider before taking the plunge. www.connectingthedollars.com

On the latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, co-hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto dive deep into the ever-evolving bond market— spotlighting the insights of leading women in finance, and discussing why bonds matter to ALL of us. ww.connectingthedollars.com

On the latest episode of “Connecting the Dollars,” co-hosts Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto sat down to break down the newsworthy 2025 tax bill proposals currently making waves in Congress. www.connectingthedollars.com

Co-hosts Emily and Amanda highlight the real-world benefits and dispel some common myths around college savings plans. Did you know only about 35% of eligible families actually use college savings vehicles like 529s? www.connectingthedollars.com

Looking for a practical mid-year financial check-in? In our latest "Connecting the Dollars" podcast episode, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto shared actionable tips for staying on top of your budget—without the hassle of tracking every penny. www.connectingthedollars.com

As financial advisors, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto often see families focus only on the sticker price of daycare or a nanny—but there’s so much more to consider.

In the latest episode of the “Connecting the Dollars” podcast, Amanda Vaught and guest David Vaught CFA dive deep into Warren Buffett’s 2025 Berkshire Hathaway annual letter. If you’re keen on strategy, leadership, or simply fascinated by Buffett’s approach, this episode is a must-listen.

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto dive deep into the upcoming tax law changes for 2025. If you're keen on staying informed about what might happen with 401(k) plans, IRAs, and more, this episode is a must-listen.

Dive into the latest episode as co-hosts Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught unravel the intricacies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how they are shaping the corporate world today. This insightful discussion provides a deep dive into real-world applications and impacts of DEI. Key Takeaways: • Financial Motivation Behind DEI: While many perceive DEI initiatives as politically motivated, they are often rooted in financial strategies. Studies show that diversity, especially in corporate settings, enhances financial outcomes. • Real-world Examples and Impact: From redefining 401(k )contribution educational sessions to transforming maternity policies into inclusive parental leave policies, tailoring DEI initiatives can lead to a more engaged and financially secure workforce. • Investment Strategies vs. Consumer Influence: Support for DEI can extend beyond investing in stocks. Leveraging consumer power by supporting diverse and inclusive businesses directly can have a significant impact. Tune in to explore how your financial decisions might intersect with your values! www.connectingthedollars.com

Reflections on 2024 Markets: What We Learned Connecting the Dollars Episode 60 We dive deep into the financial trends and insights from the past year. Join Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught as they explore the dynamic shifts in the economy and provide valuable lessons for investors moving forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Economic Predictions vs. Reality: Throughout 2024, many anticipated a recession that never fully materialized. Over time, it became evident that the economy was more resilient than expected, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges in predicting market conditions. International vs. Domestic Stocks: The U.S. stock market outperformed international markets significantly in 2024. Many portfolios unknowingly held significant international exposure, emphasizing the importance of understanding where your investments lie. Tech Dominance & Diversification: While tech stocks continued to attract attention, sectors such as financials and industrials also showed strong performance. This underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to capture gains from various market segments. Tune in to gain more insights and make informed decisions for your financial future. We’re here to help you navigate your path to achieving your financial goals. connectingthedollars.com

In a recent episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discussed the significant impact that natural disasters, like the ongoing California wildfires, have on personal finances. Here's what we explored:  Vigilant Charity: In times of disaster, it's essential to ensure your donations are going to vetted charities. Be aware of fraudulent activities and choose reputable organizations for your contributions.  Insurance Rate Dynamics: As natural disasters become more frequent, insurance companies adjust their rates accordingly. This change affects both homeowners and renters, nationwide. It's important to stay proactive to mitigate these rising costs.  Financial Preparedness: Whether you're a homeowner or renter, maintaining a liquid emergency fund and understanding the ins and outs of your insurance policy can provide crucial support when disaster strikes. To dive deeper into these discussions, check out the full episode on our website or your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed and prepare for the unexpected. #ConnectingTheDollars #NaturalDisasters #FinancialPlanning #Insurance #PersonalFinance We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you might have! www.connectingthedollars.com

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss how our 2024 resolutions shaped up and set our sights on new goals for 2025. Here are three key takeaways: Accountability Matters: Amanda found that setting a reading goal and using Goodreads for tracking helped her stay on course. This method, she notes, can spill over into financial goals – having accountability can make a huge difference.  Self-Care & Boundaries: Emily shared how prioritizing self-care allowed her to handle the stress of tax season better, and made her more present and grounded. Setting clear boundaries at work (and home) can translate into a healthier, more balanced life.  Evaluate & Adapt: If you're falling short of your financial savings goal or any other goal, don't stress. Adjust and find a balance that lets you live fully while still working towards your objectives. Incremental changes, automated savings, and celebrating small victories are key. We invite our listeners to share their New Year's resolutions with us. Let's make 2025 a year of growth, both personally and financially. www.connectingthedollars.com

Major life events are great times to get personalized financial advice. Emily & Amanda believe that ongoing quality financial advice can have a greater impact than merely seeking advice for one-off events. There is a big difference between getting the advice and actually implementing it. Time stamps 3:45 Planning for retirement 6:40 Trusting in professional advice 8:49 Hiring a tax professional for the whole picture 13:12 When you should consider switching professionals. Find additional resources at Connecting The Dollars

Holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, it's also a time where we see a significant increase in financial frauds. Emily & Amanda discuss some common frauds they see when working with clients. They also provide tips on how to prevent and stop them in advance. We wish you a joyous, scam-free holiday with your family and friends.   www.connectingthedollars.com

It's Halloween season, so Emily & Amanda take this opportunity to discuss personal finances of one of their favorite scary movie tropes - haunted houses. Time stamps 2:12 Inspection and appraisal 3:55 Check your insurance coverage 5:40 What if your spouse is the one to inherit? 9:40 Lessons from The Shining 13:14 How to Sell a Haunted House

The seasons are changing which means it's time to tackle those year-end financial tasks. Amanda & Emily talk tax planning, retirement planning, budgeting, and what to expect for the rest of 2024. What's on your to-do list before we hit 2025? Topics Covered: Fed rate cut, Tax Planning: withholding, Tax Planning: harvesting capital losses or gains, Tax planning: Roth accounts, Retirement planning: 401(k) contributions, income limit for Roth IRA contribution, Holiday budget planning, Election impact on markets and Open enrollment.

Emily & Amanda discuss how the recent Fed rate cut may impact your personal finances. They suggest considering the rate cut in context before making any changes to your financial plan. www.connectingthedollars.com