​​Discover why it’s not just okay—but essential—to spend your money with intention! In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton shares how to break free from the save-every-penny mindset and embrace spending as a tool for joy, connection, and meaningful investment. From saving for special occasions to creating lifelong family memories and making retirement dreams a reality, explore the four stages of intentional spending and learn from others’ experiences. Mike shares a listener’s dilemma about building their dream home. Tune in for practical advice and a fresh perspective on spending with intention.

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/

Open enrollment season often raises the critical question of whether to choose pre-tax (traditional) or Roth contributions for your 401(k). In this week’s episode, Matt Robison and certified financial planner Mike Morton break down this common dilemma, offering simple rules of thumb to help you make the right choice in minutes. They’ll explain the key differences—traditional contributions reduce your taxable income today but are taxed in retirement, while Roth contributions are taxed now and grow tax-free—and guide you on when to pick each option based on your career stage and tax bracket. Even if you get it "wrong," the good news is that saving consistently is always “right.”

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/

Curious about what the stock market will do next?  In this episode, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dive into the unpredictable nature of the stock market and why even experts struggle to forecast its future. With Wall Street projecting below-average returns for the next decade due to high valuations, learn why market timing is a risky game and why staying invested is often the best approach. Get practical strategies to navigate uncertainty, from reassessing your portfolio allocation and maintaining diversification to setting aside cash for short-term needs. Whether you're concerned about muted long-term returns or debating tweaks to your investment plan, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stay balanced and on track.

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/

Check out Mike’s Year-End Financial Checklist, a simple tool to help you wrap up 2024 stress-free and set yourself up for a successful 2025. They discuss five key items to tackle: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for retirement accounts, Roth conversions to maximize tax-free growth, strategic charitable giving, Q4 estimated tax payments, and the best timing for year-end bonuses. With practical tips, insights, and humor, this episode makes financial planning less daunting. Download the full checklist, take 15 minutes to review it, and breathe easier knowing you’re prepared for the year ahead.

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 of Practical Finance for Parents, Mike Morton and Matt Robison explore how grandparents can effectively save for their grandchild’s college education using 529 plans. They break down the best strategies, including whether grandparents should contribute to an existing parent-owned 529 or open their own account. With recent FAFSA changes, grandparent-owned 529 plans now offer even greater advantages, as withdrawals no longer impact the student’s financial aid eligibility. The episode also introduces the “Rule of Thirds” as a simple framework for planning college costs and emphasizes practical, stress-free solutions for families.

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 dive into a commonly overlooked step in managing rollover and inherited IRAs: making sure your funds are invested and not just sitting in cash. They share practical tips on how to avoid leaving money idle, like setting a yearly reminder to check your accounts, opting for simple investment choices, and keeping track of dividends. They’ll show you how a few quick actions can ensure your money is working for you, so tune in to get easy strategies that keep your finances on track without the stress!

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/

Make the most of your employee benefits and unlock “free money” that could add up to thousands yearly! In this episode, we break down essential perks, from maximizing retirement savings with 401(k) matching to the tax advantages of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). We also explore the value of education and tuition benefits, affordable insurance options, wellness programs, and unique perks like legal aid and tech discounts. Tune in to discover how a quick review of your benefits package could lead to major financial wins. Don’t miss out—learn how to maximize everything your employer offers!

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/

As Halloween approaches, it's not just ghosts and ghouls that can be scary—financial planning can have its own terrifying elements. Join Mike Morton and Matt Robison as they demystify the top five fears in managing money. The risk of running out of funds in retirement, the uncomfortable reality of planning for death and inheritance, the rising costs of healthcare in old age, the trap of debt and poor credit, and the unpredictability of market volatility would make anyone scream in horror.

However, facing these fears is possible with the right strategies: creating a detailed retirement plan, establishing essential estate documents to protect your family, exploring healthcare cost solutions like long-term care insurance, committing to a realistic debt reduction plan, and building a financial safety net for market downturns. By taking proactive steps and making small, consistent changes, you can alleviate the fear around financial planning and approach the future with confidence. Remember, while Halloween is all about scares, your financial future shouldn’t be! 🎃

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/

"How are you going to pay for college?" “How much should you save now?” Matt and Mike break down the current costs of higher education, from public in-state schools to high-end private institutions, and offer strategies for saving. Whether you're just getting started or have significant resources to allocate, you’ll get actionable advice on how to plan effectively. They cover the benefits of 529 plans, the "rule of thirds" savings approach, and why having a plan—any plan—is more important than aiming for perfection. Tune in to learn how to support your child's education without breaking the bank.

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 dive into the often-overlooked topic of homeowners insurance and why spending just five minutes reviewing your policy could save you thousands of dollars.

They explain the importance of ensuring your coverage is adequate, especially with rising costs of rebuilding due to inflation and natural disasters. They walk through key elements to check, such as dwelling and personal property coverage, and share practical tips like taking a quick video walkthrough of your home. Tune in to learn how a few simple steps can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

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/