In this episode, we look at three forces that can shape—or sabotage—an investor’s long-term success: exciting investment stories, nonstop financial headlines, and everyday money habits. 

From the hype around companies like SpaceX to the emotional pull of market news, we discuss why compelling stories and breaking headlines don’t always translate into smart portfolio decisions. We also explore the quiet habits that can help build wealth over time, including saving consistently, avoiding lifestyle creep, automating good decisions, and staying focused on a long-term financial plan. 

The big takeaway? Successful investing usually isn’t about reacting faster, finding the flashiest opportunity, or predicting the next market move. It’s about discipline, diversification, consistency, and making decisions that align with your goals—not your emotions.


💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

Are today’s market highs a sign of strength—or a reason for caution? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris breaks down what investors should pay attention to as stocks sit near record levels, inflation remains sticky, and interest rate uncertainty continues to shape the financial landscape.

Joel also tackles one of the biggest quiet risks in personal finance right now: holding too much cash. While cash can feel safe, staying overly conservative for too long can create long-term consequences for growth, purchasing power, and retirement success.

Then, in a practical and timely segment, Joel walks through a retirement readiness checklist—covering income planning, Social Security, taxes, health care, legal documents, and the lifestyle questions many people overlook.

If you’ve been wondering whether to stay invested, move money out of cash, or prepare more intentionally for retirement, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you make smarter financial decisions.



💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Kristin Kalley and Christina Lamb tackle two important financial topics that can have a big impact on your family’s future. First, they break down which accounts parents should prioritize when they have a baby, including 529 plans, custodial accounts, and newer savings opportunities that could help build long-term, tax-advantaged wealth for children. Then, they shift gears and unpack some of the most commonly misunderstood federal income tax rules—covering tax brackets, write-offs, refunds, Roth conversions, capital gains, and more.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start saving for your child, or if you’ve heard tax advice that sounded a little too simple to be true, this episode will help you think more strategically and avoid costly mistakes.



💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

What investment habits can quietly hurt your retirement plan? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Chet and Rob break down 7 common investor behaviors that can create unnecessary risk for retirees—from holding too much cash and trying to time the market to ignoring taxes, chasing yield, skipping rebalancing, overreacting to headlines, and failing to adjust your strategy over time. 
 
If you are retired or getting close to retirement, this conversation will help you think more clearly about how your portfolio, withdrawal strategy, and long-term plan should work together. The goal is not perfection—it is discipline, clarity, and making thoughtful decisions that support your lifestyle over the long run. 
 
In this episode, we cover: 
• Why too much cash can create inflation risk 
• How market timing can hurt long-term returns 
• Why tax-efficient withdrawals matter in retirement 
• The hidden danger of chasing yield 
• Why rebalancing is essential 
• How reacting emotionally to news can backfire 
• Why your investment plan should evolve over time 
 
If you enjoy practical retirement planning conversations like this, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone preparing for retirement or already living in it. 

💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

Tax season may be over, but tax scams are not. In this episode, Joel Garris and Christina Lamb break down the IRS’s annual “Dirty Dozen” list of the most common tax scams targeting taxpayers right now—from phishing texts and AI-powered phone scams to fake charities, ghost preparers, identity theft, and misleading social media tax advice.

They also unpack the IRS’s ongoing digital shift and explain what it means for refunds, payments, online accounts, and why taxpayers need to prepare now.

If you want practical tips to protect your money, avoid costly mistakes, and stay ahead of major IRS changes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.


💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

Join Joel Garris on this insightful episode of Dollars & Sense, where he explores the top questions you should ask your financial advisor, planner, or wealth manager.  

Discover why it’s crucial to understand how your advisor is compensated, the importance of the fiduciary standard, and how to evaluate investment philosophy, communication practices, continuity planning, portfolio details, risk management, goal tracking, beneficiary strategies, tax minimization, and how to reach your advisor during critical moments. 

Joel also shares practical guidance on how long to keep financial documents and the best ways to safely dispose of sensitive paperwork. Whether you’re preparing for your next review meeting or seeking clarity in your financial life, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you make smarter decisions with your money. 


💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

Actionable Advice for New Grads and Their Families 

Ready to celebrate graduation season with a dose of real-world financial wisdom? 🎉 Join Certified Financial Fiduciaries™ Chet Cowart and Zach Keister for a lively, informative episode as they step in for Joel—who’s off attending his son’s college graduation in Boston. Whether you’re a proud parent or a fresh grad, this show is packed with practical, kitchen-table conversations you need right now! 

From budgeting basics and building a financial foundation to setting healthy boundaries and tackling student loans, Chet and Zach deliver four actionable tips for parents and four smart financial moves for graduates. Plus, discover why the Dollars & Sense book and companion workbook make the perfect gift for anyone starting their adult journey. Tune in for a fun, approachable guide to launching your financial future—no jargon, just real talk.


💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris tackles two of the most misunderstood—and most impactful—areas of financial and estate planning.

First, Joel breaks down a common myth: your will does not control where most of your money goes. Instead, beneficiary designations quietly determine who inherits retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities, and many investment and bank accounts. With trillions of dollars passing outside of wills every year, Joel explains why outdated or overlooked beneficiary forms can create costly mistakes—and what simple steps you can take today to make sure your assets end up exactly where you intend.

Next, Joel dives into one of his favorite planning strategies: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). If you’re charitably inclined and over age 70½, this powerful tool allows you to support causes you care about while significantly reducing your tax burden. Joel walks through how QCDs work, the rules you must follow, common pitfalls to avoid, and why they can be far more tax‑efficient than writing a check—especially when it comes to required minimum distributions, Medicare premiums, and Social Security taxation.

Along the way, Joel also shares timely market perspective during earnings season, highlights the importance of staying organized with financial documents, and explains how thoughtful planning can reduce stress, cost, and conflict for the people you love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your estate plan is really doing what you think it is—or how to give charitably in the most tax‑smart way—this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss.


💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

April 15 is in the rearview mirror—but what did we actually learn from this tax season? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and CPA/CFP® Kristin Castello break down the biggest takeaways we saw on real tax returns, plus what the latest IRS/Treasury stats may be signaling for households heading into the rest of the year. 🧾💡 
 
We also connect the dots to the markets: a reminder of how quickly headlines can swing sentiment—and why consistency matters when volatility shows up. 📊 
 
In this episode: 
• What’s driving bigger average refunds this year—and why a big refund isn’t always “good news” 💰 
• New/expanded deductions people asked about most (and where the fine print matters): “no tax on overtime” & “no tax on tips” ⏱️🍽️ 
• Enhanced senior deduction + standard vs. itemized trends 👵🧾 
• The tax-bracket myth: marginal tax rate vs. effective tax rate (and why most people pay less than they think) 📉 
• Market volatility, recoveries, and the value of staying disciplined 

💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

This episode covers three topics that can have a big impact on your financial future: how to avoid a surprise tax bill next year, why a Health Savings Account (HSA) may be one of the most underutilized retirement assets, and how retirement planning has changed (it’s not your parents’ retirement anymore). 
In this episode: 

• Why the IRS is a “pay-as-you-go” system—and what to change if you owed this year 

• Withholding vs. quarterly estimated payments (and when each applies) 

• Social Security and retirement distributions: common tax withholding blind spots 

• HSAs explained: the triple tax advantage (and why it matters) 

• Key HSA rules before and after age 65, including Medicare timing 

• Why retirement may last 30–40 years—and why flexibility beats a “perfect forecast” 

💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 

👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

➡️ CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202