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/

Thinking of stepping away from work for a few months—or even a year? You’re not alone. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison break down the rising trend of sabbaticals and gap years among mid-career professionals.

They explore how to financially and emotionally prepare for extended time off, covering everything from sabbatical funds and health care planning to taking advantage of low-income tax strategies like Roth conversions. They also dig into the psychology of identity and burnout, sharing tools like “fear setting” and emphasizing the power of experiences over stuff. Whether you're craving rest, reinvention, or just a break from the grind, this episode offers a practical roadmap to make it happen—no bank heist required.

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, Matt Robison and Mike Morton explore how parents can raise financially capable kids without micromanaging their every money move. From debit cards and budgeting to writing checks and spending psychology, they share stories, humor, and actionable tips—plus a great reminder that the best lessons often come from letting kids fail safely. Whether your child is 9 or 19, this episode offers a roadmap to building money confidence, one trial run at a time.

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, Matt Robison and Mike Morton unpack the alluring world of alternative investments. Hedge funds, private equity, non-traded REITs…while these options promise high returns and exclusivity, many of them might be better left to the pros. From flashy marketing to hidden fees and illiquidity traps, Mike breaks it all down in plain English, sharing real-world examples and offering practical advice on when, if ever, these investments make sense for the average investor.

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/

What do Enron, Lehman Brothers, and GE have in common? They were once Wall Street darlings, until they weren’t. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison unpack the hidden danger lurking in many portfolios: single-stock concentration. It feels great to ride a stock like Apple or Amazon to new highs, but if more than 10% of your wealth is tied to one company, especially if that company is your employer, you’re playing a risky game. We explore how this happens, why it’s riskier than you think, and what to do about it. From step-down plans and tax-smart strategies to the power (and pitfalls) of Net Unrealized Appreciation, this episode is your crash course in protecting your financial 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 of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle one of the most dreaded yet essential topics for families: how much college really costs—and how to avoid the full sticker price. With humor, real-life examples, and expert guidance, they break down the myths around the $90,000+ tuition price tags and show how most families actually pay far less. Learn how to leverage merit aid, use net price calculators, strategically spend 529 savings, and shift from panic to a smart college funding strategy. If you're staring down college costs and feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reality check—and your roadmap.

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, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle the age-old question: how much should you have in bonds? Spoiler: The old rules of thumb, like “your age in bonds” or “the 60/40 portfolio,” might be doing more harm than good. Mike lays out a smarter, more personalized approach using the “bucket strategy,” aligning your investments with short, medium, and long-term spending needs. They also cover why target date funds can be too conservative, and how to protect yourself from sequence of return risk in retirement.

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/

When the stock market is anything but calm, it’s tempting to panic, but this week, we explain why you should panic methodically instead. Drawing inspiration from WSJ columnist Jason Zweig, Matt Robison and I explore how to keep your cool when market volatility, political drama, and economic uncertainty are everywhere.

Don’t confuse the world’s chaos with your long-term investing plan. Use market downturns to reassess your true risk tolerance. Thoughtful strategies like diversification, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into opportunity.

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/