Financial Life Planning for Busy Parents

Join Matt Robison and Mike Morton in this week’s episode to explore the common myth that election outcomes can predict stock market performance. They discuss real-life examples, such as the 2016 Trump election and the 2008 Obama election, highlighting how initial market reactions often mislead investors. They emphasize the importance of not overreacting to short-term volatility, noting that global events and market irrationality play a larger role than who's in office. Their key takeaway? Stick to your long-term investment plan, and don’t let election anxiety drive financial decisions.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Join Matt Robison and me for this week’s episode in which we tackle the age-old question: actively managed funds or low-cost index funds? Brokers often promise better returns with active management through expert stock picking, but the data tells a different story.

We’ll break down the numbers, starting with the SPIVA report, which compares active funds to their benchmarks and reveals that a staggering 87.42% of U.S. Large Cap funds underperformed the S&P 500 over the last decade. We explore why index funds consistently outperform, highlighting the impact of fees, market efficiency, and diversification. Tune in to learn why index investing is the smarter, more reliable choice.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Securities lending lets you lend your stocks or bonds to someone else and earn interest in return. It’s legit and has been around for a long time, with the borrower often using your securities to "short sell." You could make some nice passive income, like $800 a month, without doing much. Plus, you still own your stocks and can sell them whenever you want. But there are some catches—like losing the tax benefits of dividends, giving up voting rights, and the small risk that the borrower could default. You also lose SIPC insurance protection on lent securities. Overall, it can be a good way to make some extra money, but you need to weigh the risks and read the fine print before jumping in.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton consider the potential expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025 and what it could mean for your finances. They focus on three key areas: the possible reduction of the lifetime gifting exemption from $13 million to $6 million; the likely increase in tax rates due to a decrease in the standard deduction, making it a good time to consider Roth conversions; and the expiration of the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for small business owners. With these changes on the horizon, now is the time to plan for the future.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton dive into the world of investment fees and the truth behind the "no free lunch" adage. They explore how Wall Street packages seemingly attractive investment products with hidden fees that can erode returns. From Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with unexpected management fees to interval funds with layers of costs, we break down why fees are the number one predictor of returns. Using real-life examples, we emphasize the importance of keeping investments simple and staying vigilant about fees—because there’s always a cost, even with the "best" deals.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode, Matt Robison and Mike Morton go back-to-basics with a focus on Roth Conversions—a financial strategy that could potentially save you millions of dollars in retirement. Whether you've amassed significant savings in tax-deferred accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s or you're just starting to think about how to optimize your retirement funds, this episode is for you. Explore how converting to a Roth IRA could minimize your lifetime tax bill, reduce Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and enhance your legacy planning. Learn when to take advantage of this strategy, the potential tax implications, and important considerations to keep in mind. 

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Are you tired of being told to just "go with the flow"? Well, not today. In this episode, Matt Robison and I delve into why focusing on your net worth is more important than worrying about your cash flow. Have you ever scrambled to cover monthly expenses, or dipped into your investments for an unexpected charge, and felt the stress afterward? You're not alone, but these moments don’t truly reflect your financial health. We explain why net worth—your assets minus your liabilities—offers a clearer picture of your wealth. It's like the Game of Life®, where you tally up everything at the end to see how you really did. We’ll guide you through tracking your net worth, understanding its importance, and planning to keep it growing. Listen in to shift your perspective from paycheck anxiety to long-term financial stability.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this week's episode, I’m joined by financial coach Adam Koren, an expert in helping people overcome their money anxieties, to discuss the elephant in the room: your finances. No one likes to talk money, but it is monumentally important to pay attention to your finances, regardless of your income level. Stop feeling like you “should” know how and start learning what you can do to establish financial health and wellness. Through regular check-ins and a compassionate approach, Adam provides a roadmap for you to follow in order to make the most of your money.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison discuss the incredible benefits of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which offer a unique way to save money without losing any to taxes. Learn how HSAs provide a "triple whammy" of tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Understand the strategies to maximize your HSA, such as contributing the maximum amount, investing the funds, and saving medical receipts to enable tax-free reimbursements in the future. HSAs can serve as long-term savings for medical expenses in retirement, making them a powerful financial tool.

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Dreaming of establishing your own dynasty? While you may not control a nation, you can create a long-lasting educational legacy with a 529 plan! Join Matt Robison and me, Mike Morton, on this week’s podcast as we delve into funding education for your children, grandchildren, and even beyond. We'll explore how 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses, can be the foundation of your family's educational future. With benefits like tax-free growth, flexible beneficiary options, and no mandatory distribution rules, these plans are powerful tools for generational financial planning. Tune in to learn how to turn your dreams of a dynasty into reality with a 529 plan!

Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle?  Let’s Connect.

Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/