Your financial priorities should change as you move through different stages of life—but many people never adjust their strategy.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Michelle Cropley and financial advisor Michael Bradley break down the key financial goals and mistakes to watch for in every decade leading up to retirement.

They cover:
●    What people in their 30s should prioritize beyond just saving
●    Why your 40s can become the “peak chaos” years financially
●    The dangers of lifestyle creep and keeping up with the Joneses
●    How to balance retirement savings, debt payoff, and family expenses
●    Why liquidity matters just as much as retirement accounts
●    The importance of catch-up contributions once you turn 50
●    Common mistakes people make as retirement gets closer
●    How to transition from the accumulation phase to the withdrawal phase
●    What the 4% rule means for retirement income planning

The key takeaway: financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right priorities at 30 may be very different from the right priorities at 50 or 60—and understanding those shifts can dramatically improve your long-term financial future

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Most financial planning mistakes don’t show up until it’s too late—after someone passes away.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley and financial advisor Brendan Hayes break down the most common (and costly) planning mistakes families make—and how to avoid them before they create real problems.

They cover:

●      Why account ownership and titling matter more than most people realize
●      The critical role of beneficiary designations (and what happens if they’re missing)
●      How improper planning can lead to probate, delays, and unintended outcomes
●      The hidden risks in IRAs, 401(k)s, and stock accounts
●      What “per stirpes” means—and why it matters for your family
●      Why having a trust isn’t enough if it’s not properly funded
●      The dangers of poor communication between spouses and family members
●      Real-world examples of mistakes that cost families tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars

The key takeaway: good planning isn’t just about having documents in place—it’s about making sure everything is aligned with your intentions and clearly understood by the people who matter most

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Just filed your taxes? That might be the most important time to start planning for next year.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley and financial advisor Scott Wilson explain why tax planning shouldn’t happen once a year—and how small decisions now can lead to better outcomes later. 

 They cover:

●      The difference between tax preparation vs. tax planning
●      Why reviewing your recent tax return can uncover costly surprises
●      How RSUs, capital gains, and bonuses can impact your tax bill
●      Strategies to manage withholding and avoid IRS penalties
●      How to use 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs to reduce your tax burden
●      Smarter ways to think about investment taxes and asset location
●      When Roth strategies make sense—and when they don’t
●      Tax-efficient approaches to charitable giving and QCDs

The key takeaway: better tax outcomes don’t happen by accident—they come from planning early, staying organized, and making intentional decisions throughout the year.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Ever get a raise—and still feel like you’re not getting ahead? In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley and financial advisor Cash Armstrong break down the hidden psychology behind spending—and why earning more doesn’t always translate into building wealth.

They cover:

●        The psychology behind stress spending, retail therapy, and dopamine triggers
●        How anchoring and sunk cost bias quietly drain your money
●        The real impact of subscription creep and one-click buying
●        What “lifestyle creep” is—and how it keeps you stuck
●        Why your savings rate matters more than your salary
●        Simple strategies to control spending (without feeling deprived)
●        A breakdown of the FIRE movement and what it gets right—and wrong

The key takeaway: building wealth isn’t just about earning more—it’s about controlling behavior, staying intentional, and making sure your money is actually working for you.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Life insurance is often seen as a must-have—but do you actually need it?

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michelle Cropley is joined by financial advisor Paul Lane to break down the role of life insurance in a financial plan—and how to decide what’s right for you.

They cover:

●      The key differences between term life and whole life insurance
●      How universal and variable life policies really work
●      When life insurance makes sense—and when it doesn’t
●      How to determine the right amount of coverage
●      The role of life insurance in income replacement, debt protection, and legacy planning ●      Why premiums vary based on age, health, and policy type
●      How life insurance can be used in estate planning strategies
●      Common misconceptions about life insurance

The big takeaway: life insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all—and the right strategy depends on your goals, your financial situation, and your stage of life


Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s one of the best times to reset your finances.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley and Michael Bradley walk through a practical financial checklist to help you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and make smarter decisions throughout the year.

Also covered:

●      Why outdated beneficiaries can override your will
●      How to review and update your estate plan as life changes
●      What to look for when evaluating income, expenses, and savings
●      Ways to maximize employer benefits and reduce taxes
●      When to rebalance investments and improve tax efficiency

From estate planning to investing, this episode outlines a simple framework to keep your financial life on track.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

Stock compensation can be a powerful wealth-building tool—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of your paycheck.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley sits down with financial advisor Paul Lane to break down how stock compensation actually works—and how to make smarter decisions around it.

They cover:

●    The key differences between stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs
●    How stock compensation fits into your overall financial plan
●    When “equity upside” is worth it—and when it’s not
●    The risks of being overexposed to your own company
●    How vesting schedules and timing decisions impact your money
●    The tax implications you need to understand before selling
●    When it makes sense to hold vs. cash out your shares

Whether you’re evaluating a job offer or managing existing equity, this episode helps you think beyond the upside—and understand the real financial trade-offs.


Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

What does retirement look like when you’re going it alone—and what does it cost? In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley is joined by financial advisor Scott Wilson to break down the growing trend of “solo agers”—retirees navigating life without a spouse, partner, or built-in support system.

With nearly 30% of older adults living alone—and even higher percentages among women over 75—this isn’t a niche issue. It’s a major financial planning challenge.

They cover:

●      Why solo retirees may face higher Medicare premiums (IRMAA)
●      How RMDs and tax brackets can create a “widow’s penalty”
●      The hidden financial risks of filing single in retirement
●      Strategies like Roth conversions and charitable distributions
●      Why liquidity and emergency planning matter even more when you’re solo
●      The role of professional fiduciaries, estate planning, and beneficiaries
●      Housing decisions: aging in place vs. retirement communities

The key takeaway: going solo doesn’t just change your lifestyle—it can significantly impact your taxes, income, and long-term financial security.

If you’re planning for retirement (or already there), this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001.   Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents (powered by Armstrong Advisory Group), Michele Cropley is joined by financial advisor Brendan Hayes to explore one of the biggest life decisions many people face: should I retire?

They examine retirement from multiple angles — financial, strategic, and emotional — and explain why the answer isn’t always as straightforward as “can I afford it?”

They discuss:
 · How to determine what you truly spend — and what retirement will actually cost
 · The time-versus-money question: when is enough enough?
 · Market risk and sequence-of-returns risk in early retirement
 · How health, energy, and longevity factor into timing
 · The emotional side of retirement — purpose, identity, and socialization
 · Tax planning strategies before and during retirement
 · When to claim Social Security and how longevity affects that decision
 · How to think about legacy goals without sacrificing your own time

Retirement isn’t just about having a number in mind — it’s about aligning financial security, tax strategy, and psychological readiness. When those pieces come together, the decision becomes clearer.

To learn more or schedule a no-obligation consultation, visit armstrongadvisory.com or call (800) 393-4001.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents (powered by Armstrong Advisory Group), Michele Cropley is joined by financial advisor Paul Lane to discuss estate planning — and why it’s important at every stage of life.

They begin with the basics for newly married couples and young families, covering foundational documents like wills, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies. Paul explains why estate planning isn’t just about end-of-life decisions, but also about protecting your spouse and children in cases of incapacity. The conversation then shifts to how estate planning priorities evolve as families approach retirement, including:

 · Why a will alone may not avoid probate
 · When a trust may make sense
 · Estate tax considerations in Massachusetts
 · Bloodline and divorce protection planning
 · Nursing home planning basics
 · Charitable giving strategies in retirement
 · How required minimum distributions can be used for tax-efficient giving

Estate planning isn’t a one-time task — it’s an evolving strategy that should grow alongside your family, assets, and goals.

To learn more or schedule a no-obligation consultation, visit armstrongadvisory.com or call (800) 393-4001.

Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. This content of the post or podcast is intended solely to provide general information regarding our business services. Nothing within the post constitutes personalized investment advice or is an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. To the extent you wish to engage us for investment advice based upon your personal investment circumstances and objectives, please contact us directly at (781) 433-0001. Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice, and no portion of the post or podcast should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding any tax or legal matters relevant to you.   You agree, as a condition precedent to your access to the post or podcast, to release and hold harmless Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc., its officers, directors, owners, employees, and agents from any and all adverse consequences resulting from any of your actions or omissions, which are independent of your receipt of personalized investment advice from Armstrong Advisory Group, Inc.   Armstrong Advisory Group ("AAG") is affiliated with an insurance agency called Armstrong Insurance Group, Inc. ("AIGI"). AIGI offers insurance products and services to customers, including investment advisory clients of AAG. AAG refers clients to AIGI for those products and services. AIGI does not, however, compensate AAG for any referrals.   Certain AAG representatives are also licensed as insurance professionals appointed with AIGI and may earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products, including insurance products implemented for AAG clients. Insurance commissions earned by AAG representatives are separate and in addition to AAG's advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest as the representative has a financial incentive to recommend insurance products to a client. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any of AAG's representatives or any other AAG affiliated person.