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/

This week on Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and I break down a simple, stress-reducing, four-part framework for choosing your investments. Yes, we still love low-cost index funds—but smart investing is more than just picking one and hoping for the best.

We explore how to think about asset allocation, minimize costs, rebalance your portfolio, and stay aware of market trends without falling into the trap of market timing. Backed by academic research and built for real life, this approach is practical, repeatable, and designed to boost your confidence.

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 Mike Morton and Matt Robison this week as they break down the income tax funnel, helping you understand how your earnings flow from total income to taxable income and, ultimately, to what you owe the IRS.

They dive into key tax deductions, credits, and how different income types are taxed, all through the lens of a jaw-dropping $500,000 tax return mistake. Whether you're looking to maximize deductions, take advantage of tax credits, or simply make tax season less stressful, this episode delivers practical, easy-to-digest insights to help you stay ahead. Tune in for a quick, no-nonsense guide to making smarter tax 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/

Are you saving enough for retirement? How much should you set aside for college? And can you enjoy your money now without sabotaging your future? In this week’s episode, we put co-host Matt Robison in the hot seat to tackle these real-life financial questions. From retirement benchmarks to college savings strategies and optimizing investments, we break down the numbers, share key rules of thumb, and explore the balance between saving and spending. Whether you’re planning for the future or trying to enjoy life today, this episode will help you create a financial roadmap that works for you. 

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 complexities of inheriting money—from the emotional weight to the financial logistics. They discuss key strategies for handling an inheritance, avoiding common pitfalls, and maximizing its value. Whether you're navigating an inheritance now or planning for one in the future, they cover everything from tax implications to smart investment decisions. Plus, they explore why gifting before death can be a powerful financial tool. Tune in for practical tips that will help you make informed, stress-free choices during a challenging 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, career coach Jennifer Fink and Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton discuss how to invest your time and energy intentionally to create a fulfilling career. They explore the two types of career clarity—internal and external—and how finding both can guide your next career move. Jennifer shares practical strategies for overcoming the career change dilemma, balancing passion with financial stability, and making smart financial preparations for a pivot. Plus, they dive into the power of Tiny Habits and how small actions can lead to big career and life changes. If you're feeling stuck or considering a transition, this conversation will help you take the first step toward a more intentional future.

Resources:

• https://www.finkdevelopment.com/careerclarityguide
• https://tinyhabits.com/join/
• https://www.finkdevelopment.com/

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/