Want a fast, simple way to feel more in control of your finances without budgeting apps or tracking every purchase? In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton explains why tracking your net worth once a year is one of the highest-impact “small effort” money habits you can build. You’ll learn what net worth really means, what to include (and what to skip), why this snapshot creates confidence and motivation, and how it can help you see real progress even when day-to-day money goals feel slow.

Worth Knowing: Tracking Wins from the Wall Street Journal

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this New Year’s episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and CFP® Mike Morton ditch the pressure to “optimize everything” and focus on five simple moves that can meaningfully improve your financial year. From setting a clear intention for 2026 to checking emergency funds, excess cash, automation, and portfolio alignment, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. The result is a practical, low-stress roadmap for starting the year feeling confident, organized, and in control—without adding another burden to your plate.

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison preview The Juggling Act: A Financial Guide for High-Achieving Parents, Mike’s new book due out in 2026. They offer a high-level tour of modern financial planning, from values and organization to taxes, investing, college planning, and career flexibility, designed to help busy parents enjoy life now and later without overwhelm.

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

This week on Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and host Matt Robison dive into end-of-year charitable giving—how to make it reflect your family’s values, how to simplify it with donor-advised funds, and how to unlock powerful tax benefits by donating appreciated stock or using a “bunching” strategy. If you’re thinking about giving more this season (or just want your giving to work harder), this episode is your quick, practical guide.

Also mentioned in this episode: The Simple Steps That Can Prevent Dementia (Wall Street Journal)

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Talking to your parents about money may be the most awkward conversation you ever have—right up there with “the talk” from your teenage years—but avoiding it can cost your family serious time, stress, and money. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and host Matt Robison break the topic into five practical areas: organizing your parents’ finances, navigating taxes and gifting, planning for cognitive decline and scam protection, deciding what to do with the family home, and rethinking how much investment risk your parents should be taking. 

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle the “when later becomes now” moment for parents approaching college costs. They explain how to review and adjust your 529 investments, what a glide path is, when to rebalance, and how to make sure your plan matches your goals. 

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this week’s Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton explore whether money can really buy happiness, and what science says about it. From research on income thresholds to practical advice on using wealth to create joy, the duo breaks down how to shift your mindset from accumulating money to investing in meaningful experiences.

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Found money feels great, until it’s gone. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison tackle the psychology and strategy of handling unexpected cash. From splitting your windfall wisely to creating “presents in progress” for future goals, they’ll help you turn surprise money into long-term satisfaction (and maybe even a guilt-free splurge).

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

Got an inherited IRA, or think you might someday? On this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton give you the no-nonsense playbook. You’ll learn the nuances of the 10-year rule, how to build a simple distribution plan, and strategies for maximizing your inheritance. Don’t pay more in taxes than is absolutely necessary. Make a plan. 

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/

In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison unpack the latest tax legislation, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” They cover the most important updates, including permanent tax brackets, a higher SALT cap, charitable giving changes, expanded 529 plan uses, estate tax exemptions, and family tax credits. They also highlight overlooked provisions like car loan interest deductions and tips for small business owners. 

Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/