Ditch The Suits: Financial Planning Insights Without The Sales Pitch

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, we're back with Matt Brassard, Head of Growth at Ground News, to continue the conversation about how your media diet could be making you more confused—and more stressed—than informed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by doomsday headlines or wondered why every story you read feels slanted, this one's for you.

We break down how Ground News works, why headlines manipulate behavior, and how algorithms are designed to keep you in a digital echo chamber. Matt pulls back the curtain on the mechanics of modern news media, revealing how the platform’s bias ratings, blind spot feed, and factuality scoring can help you ditch the drama and get back to the truth.

Highlights:

• Why most people don’t actually read news articles—and what that means for your understanding of current events
• How Ground News helps you spot bias before it hijacks your thinking
• What the blind spot feed can reveal about the stories you’re not seeing
• Why trust in traditional fact-checkers is collapsing—and what Ground News is doing differently
• How just $30 a year could restore your peace of mind and help you make better-informed life and money decisions

No fluff. No politics. Just a candid discussion about how to become a smarter news consumer in a world built on outrage. Interested in Groundnews? Visit https://ground.news/ditchthesuits to get 40% off your subscription.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this new two-part conversation, Travis welcomes Matt Brassard of Ground News to discuss the current state of news and the challenges of finding trustworthy information. Matt opens up about the role of Ground News as a news aggregation tool.

Together, they explore the hyper-political media landscape, the importance of local news, and the impact of media bias on public perception. Matt shares insights from his journey in the news industry and the evolution of Ground News, emphasizing the need for transparency and understanding in news consumption.

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Interested in Subscribing to Ground News? As a Ditch the Suits listener, use this link https://ground.news/ditchthesuits to get 40% off your Ground News subscription.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this follow-up episode of Ditch the Suits, Travis continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, founder of Kindred Spirits Counseling and Wellness. Together, they dig deeper into the emotional toll political uncertainty and federal job instability are having on workers—and what can be done about it.

With tensions rising across political lines and anxiety driven by job insecurity, Dr. Gould helps us understand how emotionally charged environments, cognitive distortions, and toxic media cycles can compound stress. They explore the difference between stress and anxiety, the importance of recognizing when you're caught in unhealthy thought patterns, and how a growth or "survivor" mindset can offer a pathway forward.

Whether you’re a federal employee facing changes, someone supporting a loved one through uncertainty, or just feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of bad news, this episode offers powerful, actionable insight into how to take back control of your mental health, career, and future.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, host Travis Maus sits down with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in anxiety and trauma, to unpack the mounting stress experienced by federal employees amid sudden funding cuts and workforce changes.

With nearly 35% of all U.S. jobs tied in some way to federal funding, these shifts are rippling across the economy—impacting individuals, families, and financial futures. Travis and Dr. Gould dive into the differences between stress, anxiety, and trauma, and explore the real emotional toll these changes are taking on people. They discuss why common reactions like “toughen up” may be more harmful than helpful, and how political polarization and media overload are intensifying people's sense of fear and uncertainty.

Most importantly, Dr. Gould offers practical, thoughtful advice on how to recognize and manage anxiety, maintain emotional well-being, and support others through challenging transitions. Whether you're directly affected or simply trying to make sense of the current climate, this episode delivers insights that are both grounding and empowering.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of tariffs, egg prices, and the broader implications for financial futures. They challenge common narratives surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying factors affecting prices and regulations.

The conversation highlights the role of supply issues, regulatory policies, and the misconceptions surrounding tariffs, ultimately advocating for a more informed perspective on economic issues.

One key is Travis stating, "Awareness of the media agendas is essential for clarity and olitical conversations should be rooted in intelligence, not vitriol."

They explore how tariffs serve as a mechanism for realigning competitive balance and discuss the importance of supporting local economies.

The conversation also touches on investment strategies in a changing market and the broader implications of U.S. economic policies on global relations.

Key Takeaways

• Egg prices are high due to supply issues, not tariffs.
• Panic buying during crises can exacerbate price increases.
• Regulatory policies often dictate agricultural practices.
• Tariffs are a common tool used by many countries.
• The U.S. is not unique in its use of tariffs.
• Free trade, as commonly understood, does not exist.
• Understanding tariffs is crucial for informed financial decisions.
• There are opportunities in economic downturns.
• Emotional responses to economic news can cloud judgment.
• Sleeping on an issue can provide clarity and reduce emotional reactions.
• Tariffs are often misunderstood; they are not a direct tax on consumers.
• Local economies benefit when consumers prioritize local products.
• Investment strategies should consider the shifting dynamics of global trade.
• The U.S. economy is a significant player in the global market.
• Understanding tariffs can help consumers make informed choices.
• Consumer behavior is influenced by pricing and product quality.
• Economic policies can create opportunities for local businesses.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode, Travis and Steve discuss how to navigate market volatility, emphasizing the importance of understanding market corrections and crashes. They explore strategies for profiting during downturns, including Roth conversions and identifying investment opportunities.

The conversation highlights the wisdom of Warren Buffett, encouraging listeners to view market fluctuations as "opportunities rather than threats."

Key Takeaways

• Market volatility can be leveraged for profit.
• Understanding the difference between market corrections and crashes is crucial.
• Market resets can create buying opportunities.
• Roth conversions during market downturns can maximize tax benefits.
• Investors should focus on the value behind stocks, not just their prices.
• Fear often drives poor investment decisions during market crashes.
• Strategic planning can turn market downturns into financial opportunities.
• Investing requires a long-term perspective, especially during volatility.
• Research is essential before making investment decisions during downturns.
• Market catastrophes can provide rare buying opportunities for savvy investors.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of taxation, focusing on common mistakes individuals make regarding tax reduction strategies. They discuss the difference between tax loopholes and traps, the concept of tax loss harvesting, and the risks associated with market timing. The conversation also covers the implications of deferring income taxes, the challenges of capital gains, and the strategic use of the zero percent tax bracket.

Together, Travis and Steve emphasize the importance of understanding tax rules to avoid costly mistakes and maximize financial outcomes.

Takeaways

• Understanding the difference between tax loopholes and traps is crucial.
• Tax loss harvesting can be beneficial, but it comes with risks.
• Market timing can lead to missing significant market gains.
• Deferring income taxes may create future tax burdens.
• Capital gains taxes can be avoided through strategic planning.
• Living in a zero percent tax bracket can be misleading.
• Projections are essential for effective tax planning.
• Selling investments to avoid capital gains can be detrimental.
• Tax strategies should align with long-term financial goals.
• Professional guidance is vital for navigating complex tax situations.

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🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

We're diving deep into the world of financial planning with our awesome guest, Jeff Chase! Jeff is Vice President of Financial Planning and a Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group.

This episode shines a spotlight on the critical importance of choosing not just a financial planner, but the right firm that supports them. We discuss how organizations can make or break your financial journey, focusing on the concept of "bench strength"—essentially, what happens when your go-to planner is unavailable or out of the office.

Plus, we’ll explore the evolution of financial planning at S.E.E.D. and how we cater to a diverse range of clients, from those just starting to those with serious wealth.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the difference between a financial planner and the actual 'real deal' planner is crucial for your financial health and peace of mind.
• The importance of bench strength in financial planning teams is highlighted, as not having a backup during your planner's vacation can lead to chaos.
• Choosing a financial planning firm is like finding a medical practice; you need a cohesive team that communicates well and puts your interests first.

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About Jeff Chase

Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a fee-only financial firm committed to acting in its clients' best interests as a fiduciary.

He joined S.E.E.D. in 2020 and is a key member of the firm's leadership team. He currently oversees and leads the financial planning team which consists of nine financial planners and wealth managers.

______________________________________

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Today, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of what makes a financial planner the "real deal." Our special series guest, Jeff Chase, VP of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group is back with us, and together we're about to drop some insights that’ll help you see through all the shiny sales pitches out there.

We’re breaking down the art of financial planning and why it’s not just about throwing money at investments and calling it a day. Instead, it’s about crafting a tailored strategy that considers everything from taxes to healthcare, ensuring your financial future isn’t left to chance.

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter advice and pushy sales professionals and want to understand how to get the most out of your money, stick around because this episode is packed with insights that could change your financial game!

Takeaways:

• In financial planning, knowing your goals is key; without it, you're just guessing.
• A solid financial plan should dictate your investments, not the other way around, folks.
• Meeting with clients regularly is essential; it's not just about selling products, it's about relationships.
• Solo practitioners in finance face unique risks, so having a team can be a game changer for clients.
• Understanding risk is crucial; sometimes being conservative can protect you better than chasing high returns.
• Navigating the world of financial products requires a keen eye to avoid unnecessary fees and pitfalls.

About Jeff

Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a fee-only financial firm committed to acting in its clients' best interests as a fiduciary.

He joined S.E.E.D. in 2020 and is a key member of the firm's leadership team. He currently oversees and leads the financial planning team, which consists of nine financial planners and wealth managers.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.

Our special guest, Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, is back! In this episode, we're diving deep into financial planning and exposing financial advisors and professionals who might be more about sales than sound advice.

We'll break down how to distinguish experienced, qualified financial planners from those who are just in it for the commission—because when it comes to your financial future, you deserve a true professional, not just a salesperson.

We discuss how to find someone who’s not only got your back but also understands the game, helping you make sound decisions for your future. It's your money and life!

Takeaways:

• Navigating the financial world can feel like a treasure hunt with no map; we need to be wise and cautious about who we trust with our cash.
• A good financial advisor isn't just selling you products; they should be helping you level up in life and finances, like your personal finance Yoda.
• Don't let financial jargon trip you up; understanding your own money situation is more important than ever in this complicated world.
• The key to financial planning is more than just numbers; it's about helping clients prioritize their goals and navigate life's financial rollercoaster with empathy.

About Jeff

Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a fee-only financial firm committed to acting in its clients' best interests as a fiduciary.

He joined S.E.E.D. in 2020 and is a key member of the firm's leadership team. He currently oversees and leads the financial planning team, which consists of nine financial planners and wealth managers.

🅿️ For more DTS content check out our Patreon

Thanks to our sponsor, S.E.E.D. Planning Group! S.E.E.D. is a fee-only financial planning firm with a fiduciary obligation to put your best interest first. Schedule your free discovery meeting at www.seedpg.com

📧 For more information or to get in touch with us, visit https://www.ditchthesuits.com

About Your Host:

Travis Maus has been in financial services for over fifteen years. He is a Senior Wealth Manager and Chief Executive Officer at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Travis also hosts the Unleashing Leadership Podcast, where he dissects some of his favorite books on leadership and how you can apply it to your business or life.