A lot of people are under-utilizing their corporate benefits, unintentionally leaving money on the table. Open enrollment is a great opportunity to review your company’s benefits plan to ensure that you’re taking full advantage of everything they offer. In this episode, we walk through some of the most common areas you can optimize your benefits, such as HSAs, FSAs, life insurance, disability, ESPPs, and more. Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has some pretty great enhancements for business owners, but you have to know what you’re looking for in order to get them. Whether it’s the extension of Qualified Business Income, the 100% Bonus Depreciation, or Enhanced Qualified Small Business Stock, the bill has something for businesses of any size. In this episode, we walk you through six key provisions of the OBBBA that every business owner should be aware of, then we look at how you can take action now to ...

“How much money do I need to save in order to retire – what’s my number?” It’s one of the most common questions financial advisors get, and we understand why. People want a goal, something they can work toward to help them feel more at peace about how they’re saving. As is often the case in financial planning, when people ask for their number, the answer goes deeper than dollars and cents. It’s not just how much you save, but where you save and what you prepare for. Tune in as we look beneath...

People often think of their 401(k) as the set-it-and-forget-it retirement account. You set your contribution amount, get your employer match, and leave it alone. But what if your company gives you pre-tax, after-tax, and Roth IRA options? It’s a nice problem to have, but things can get complicated pretty quickly. In this episode, we’re answering a listener question from someone in just such a predicament, which is pretty common in the world of tech. Listen in as we get practical and break dow...

Whether you know him as “The Sketch Guy” from his decade-long run as a NY Times columnist or you’ve heard him on a podcast, if you’re interested in the world of finance, you probably know who Carl Richards is. He has also written multiple books, including The Behavior Gap, The One-page Financial Plan, and his forthcoming book of sketches, titled simply Your Money. In this episode, we sit down to talk through a few of Carl’s favorite sketches, how he came up with the ideas, and what he h...

With the OBBBA now signed into law, we’re sitting down to walk through the good, the bad, and the ugly. The biggest takeaway is that the new bill has opened the door to some great tax planning opportunities, but you have to act soon! Most of the OBBBA’s changes expire in four years, so you have a little time and space to consider doing a Roth conversion or realize some capital gains. We explore the impact on tax rates, estate and gift tax, deductions, tax credits, and more. After that, ...

Do you ever feel like you're behind on retirement? A 41-year-old listener with over $230,000 saved and a 50%+ savings rate, certainly did. In this episode, we explain why starting late doesn't mean finishing last, especially when you're making such incredible strides! We dive into the numbers, the idea of being "behind" and the importance of the right mindset during this prep-for-retirement journey. You will hear a little debate about Roth versus traditional 401(k), how your tax bracket shoul...

We all know we should probably save some more, but when we pass the piggy bank phase and have larger amounts of money, things get a little more complicated than just dropping some coins every once in a while. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott and Nick get into a little detail that most people skip: “where” and “how” matter as much as “how much” when it comes to saving. Key takeaways: The emergency fund is not optional; it’s the foundation of savingThe 401K match is free money yo...

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 conservative, and how to align your money with what really matters to you. Key takeaways: Retirem...

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 without the pressure of full-time work. If you’ve ever asked yourself whether to push through one more ...

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 investment certainty grows with time, helping you shift your mindset from fear to long-term confidence. ...

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 investors need to keep in mind when the market gets shaky, including: Why portfolio diversification is...

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 toward those limits. Nathan, who works in higher ed and saves 21% of his income, offers a great example ...

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 expected retirement income while still employed • Try extended stays in potential retirement loca...

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, and taxes - Strategies for managing investments and understanding risk - An emergency fund in you...

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 more to give you the tools for a worry-free, fulfilling retirement! Ready to learn more? Sc...

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 more than simply investing in the S&P 500. Ready to learn more? Scott Frank on LinkedIn&nb...

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 question! Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to underst...

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 PlanningLeave us a question! Money can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re abl...

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 Flow Financial PlanningLeave us a question! Money can be confusing—but it does...