Dollars & Common Sense

This episode explores how to enjoy your money guilt-free while still achieving long-term financial freedom. It covers why people often overspend or underplan for travel and hobbies, and how to shift toward intentional, values-based spending that maximizes joy. Listeners will learn practical ways to allocate funds, use dedicated accounts, and balance flexibility with discipline. Real-life examples show how thoughtful planning turns money into a tool for meaningful experiences—without sacrificing security or peace of mind.

This episode explores why even high earners often struggle to build wealth as their income rises. It explains how lifestyle upgrades—bigger homes, newer cars, and pricier vacations—quietly erode savings and financial security. Through relatable examples and data, the discussion uncovers the psychology behind lifestyle creep and its long-term costs. Listeners will learn how to spot warning signs in their own finances and adopt simple, practical strategies to stay grounded, save more, and achieve lasting financial freedom.

Reverse mortgages have come a long way since their inception in the 1960's. Today, they represent a flexible financial planning tool to help manage cashflow and get liquidity from an otherwise illiquid asset.

It seems anyone with a smart phone and a TikTok account can dispense financial advice these days. Unfortunately, a lot of what you hear online is wrong. In this episode, we expose common types of financial misinformation, why it's harmful, and how you can spot dubious claims.

A continuation of the July 22nd show relating to the proper use of insurance in financial planning. We discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having solid coverage.

Insurance premiums are one of the largest household expenses after taxes. In this episode, we discuss the correct purpose of insurance, the different types that are prudent for a family to carry, and ways you can lower your premium while still having rock-solid coverage.

This episode explores the softer side of retirement planning that many people don't fully consider. Transitioning from daily work to retirement can bring changes to one's identity and purpose, social connections, mental and emotional health, lifestyle and routine, and spousal relationship dynamics. We discuss many of the benefits -- and pitfalls -- we've learned through professional experience.

An estate plan is not something you do for yourself. It's something you do for your loved ones. But a well-crafted estate plan is an important component of a comprehensive financial plan.

This is an easy to understand discussion of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that make up the estate plan, as well as the purpose and role of the executor, grantor, trustee, and beneficiary.

Financial scams through the ages. How they have evolved, ways you can protect yourself, and where to report fraud when they occur.

A discussion of the deep psychological feelings and emotions that money evokes. This includes strategies and applications to help overcome negative biases and take advantage of the positive vibes.