A listener-driven radio show aired on WNIS AM790. Objective, unbiased financial advice on all personal financial planning matters delivered by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™.
Retirement is not one decision. It is a series of questions that can shape your financial security for decades. In this episode of Dollars & Common Sense, we explore the big retirement questions every family eventually faces, from knowing when you can afford to retire and how much you can comfortably spend to deciding when to claim Social Security. We also discuss what happens financially after…
Why do some retirees enjoy retirement with confidence while others constantly worry about money, even when they have similar savings? In this episode, we explore the financial habits that help turn retirement from a source of stress into a source of freedom. We'll discuss how creating a reliable retirement paycheck, understanding what you can comfortably spend, staying disciplined during market…
Many people think they have a financial plan because they have a 401(k), IRA, brokerage account, or pension, but having accounts is not the same as having a coordinated strategy. In this episode, we explore what comprehensive financial planning really means and why the way your investments, taxes, cash flow, insurance, and estate plan work together matters far more than any single financial…
When it comes to financial planning, one of the most expensive words can be "later." In this episode, we discuss how delaying important decisions about saving, investing, taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and retirement can quietly reduce your future options and increase the cost of reaching your goals. You'll learn why taking small, intentional steps today is often far more valuable than…
Most people assume investment returns are the biggest factor in building wealth, but the reality is often much different. In this episode, we explore the financial decisions that can have an even greater impact on long-term success, including saving habits, spending choices, tax planning, risk management, and retirement income strategies. You'll learn why strong financial outcomes are usually…
Most people assume estate planning is something only wealthy families need, but the reality is that every household can face serious complications if proper documents are not in place. In this episode, we explore what can happen when someone passes away or becomes incapacitated without an estate plan, including court involvement, family conflict, delays accessing accounts, and uncertainty around…
This week’s show explores how charitable giving fits into a thoughtful financial plan and why generosity is about far more than tax deductions alone. We’ll discuss how families can align their giving with their values, teach generosity across generations, and create a greater long-term impact with more intentional planning. From donor advised funds and appreciated stock gifts to legacy…
Many retirees spend decades doing everything right financially, only to find themselves holding back far more than they need to once retirement begins. This episode explores the often-overlooked risk of underspending and why fear, not math, is usually the driving force behind it. We break down how this cautious mindset can quietly limit experiences, increase stress, and lead to regret later in…
This episode breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in personal finance: the idea that taxes are solved in April. We explore the critical difference between tax filing and tax planning, and why most of the decisions that impact your taxes are made long before you ever sit down to file. You’ll learn how everyday financial choices like saving, investing, and timing income can shape your…
Most people think tax season is when their taxes are decided, but in reality, the outcome is shaped by financial decisions made throughout the entire year. This show breaks down how choices around retirement savings, investment activity, income timing, and charitable giving all play a role in what you ultimately owe. Instead of reacting in April, we explore how proactive planning can lead to more…