Great Points

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to get off to a fast start in your personal finances or help your loved ones do the same.  In finances, much like an Olympic race, getting off to a fast start can put you in a great position to reach a successful outcome.  As a newer investor, investing more now can give you a huge leg up for the future.  Or if you are looking to set up your heirs for financial stability, gifting them money towards long-term savings can equally have a huge impact.  Listen in to learn more about potential strategies. 

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Ashley Ganem, Director of Development at the North Shore CDC.  Community Development Corporations (CDCs) are non-government organizations focused on advocating for underrepresented communities.  To date, the North Shore CDC has put $90 million into affordable housing in the area, in addition to programs for public art, business consulting, language lessons, and much more.  Not to mention the state of Massachusetts gives a tax credit to donors (the CITC tax credit).  Listen in to learn more about the great work Ashely and the North Shore CDC do for the area!

On today's episode, Matt talks about how to get more intentional and effective with your charitable giving.  For many, giving is a part of their budget, even if it's not necessarily pre-planned.  What if you were to focus on making charitable giving part of your financial plan? How much can you afford to give and how can you narrow down which causes to support?  While many people feel they don't have enough to make a meaningful impact, Matt lays out some ways you can maximize your contributions to causes you care about.

On today's podcast, Matt talks about nutrition with his repeat guest, Dr. Mike Stare of Spectrum Fitness Consulting in Beverly, MA.  Mike has an impressive background, including working with Paralympic athletes and attaining his doctorate in Physical Therapy.  This episode is chock full of methods and information to help you make good food choices.  Mike discusses some common myths on dieting, motivation, and aging as well as some tips to make progress on any of your wellness goals.  Many of the assumptions we have about aging are just not backed by science.  Listen in to learn how to get and stay healthier no matter what age you are.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about renting versus buying a vacation home.  If you have a favorite place that you plan to go for many years, what do the numbers tell us about renting a property versus buying?  What are some of the major economic considerations?  Matt also covers some of the non-monetary parts of the decision making process so that you can make the right decision for you and your family.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Ken Kumph, owner of Premier Builders.  They discuss different options for making home modifications to enable aging in your current home rather than downsizing in this difficult housing market.  From small modifications such as adding safety railings or access ramps, to modifying an existing floor plan to enable easier "one floor living", Ken offers some advice on making your current home work for you.  

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Marcos Baugh, the President of Urban Golf Club.  Marcos started Urban Golf Club as a non-profit aiming to help urban kids learn golf and financial literacy through the core values of patience, humility, and accountability.  While Marcos started as a caddy at The Country Club in Brookline, he is now brining new people to golf through Boys and Girls clubs in the greater Boston area, all while helping them build a solid financial foundation for life.  Listen to learn more about the mission and what you can do to help, or visit https://www.urbangolfclub.org/

On today's episode, Matt has a great conversation with Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors based in Maryland.  Eric and Matt talk about a wide array of topics.   They discuss why Financial Literacy is still chronically underprioritized, how retirement doesn't have to be the end of meaningful work, and what is the future of college education.  In addition to his career as a Financial Advisor, Eric has built a media company to reach people who may not have access to professional advice, including a book and podcast called "Don't Retire...Graduate!"  

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent ad he saw that said, "Does your portfolio need a 180?"  What are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when you see such an ad?  It may be tempting to make a snap decision when things change, but Matt lays out some ideas to help sift through the noise and resist making changes for the wrong reasons.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the impact credit card debt can have on your financial plan.  With interest rates rising over the last couple years, the variable rates on credit cards have risen even faster.  Take a few minutes to review your current credit card balances and see what if any interest you are currently paying.  If you have balances you are currently carrying, considering using some emergency funds to reduce the interest you owe.  Or if you have multiple cards, look into which card currently gives you the best rate.