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/

In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dig into the reality of the midlife “cash squeeze.” From kids’ sports and college to aging parents and the uptick in everyday expenses, money feels tight. They’ll discuss when it’s actually okay to pause retirement contributions, the dangers to watch out for, and how to create a smart, temporary plan that keeps your long-term goals 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/

In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton reveals why the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is one of the most underutilized workplace benefits, despite offering free money in the form of discounted stock. He and host Matt Robison walk through how ESPPs work, whether to sell or hold, common mistakes to avoid, and why simply signing up can make a big difference.

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/

This week on Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dig into how automating your finances can dramatically reduce decision fatigue and increase financial well-being. Savings, investments, bills, donations, and even calendar tasks can all be automated. From "touch it once" productivity tips to smart strategies like using a separate credit card for subscriptions and automating 529 contributions, this episode is a blueprint for building financial systems that work quietly in the background while you focus on living your life.

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/