Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor (and Lawyer!)

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack the major retirement plan updates arriving in 2026. They break down new 401(k) contribution limits, expanded catch-up opportunities, and the significant shift to Roth-only catch-up contributions for higher earners. They explain who will be most affected, how these changes could impact taxes and take-home pay, and what steps savers can take now to prepare. Whether you’re approaching retirement, maximizing savings in your peak earning years, or simply trying to stay ahead of policy changes, this conversation helps you make sense of what’s coming and how to navigate it with confidence. 

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As the year draws to a close, charitable giving surges — and with thoughtful planning, those gifts can become even more meaningful. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore how to make your generosity truly count, both for the causes you care about and for your long-term financial plan. They discuss why December is such a powerful month for charitable contributions, the emotional and cultural forces behind year-end generosity, and how new tax laws taking effect in 2026 may influence how donors approach giving in the years ahead. Whether you’re giving modestly or making substantial contributions, this episode offers guidance on how to plan ahead, avoid year-end pitfalls, and ensure your generosity supports both the missions you love and your financial wellbeing. Then, Mike and Maddie sit down with Christian LeFer, founder and CEO of Instant Nonprofit, who has helped more than 5,000 people launch IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations. Christian shares how growing up in a nonprofit-driven family shaped his belief in “wealth with purpose,” and how his own frustrating experience trying to start a nonprofit led him to build a streamlined, done-for-you system that removes the bureaucracy and lets people focus on impact. Christian explains why a 501(c)(3) can be a powerful tool for tax strategy, legacy planning, and aligning wealth with personal values, often accessible to everyday families, not just the ultra-wealthy. He also breaks down how to know whether forming your own foundation or nonprofit is the right choice and why imperfect action is the key to creating meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a personal mission into a real vehicle for impact or build a legacy that lasts, this conversation offers clear guidance and inspiration. Christian also shares a free starter kit for listeners at instantnonprofit.com/podcast. 

Instant Nonprofit links:

Instant Nonprofit Startup Kit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstantNonprofit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instantnonprofit/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantNonprofitUSA

Connect with Christian LeFer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianlefer/

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Caring for aging parents is one of the most emotional, and financially complex, challenges many families will face. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison dive into the realities of caregiving, what it looks like, why it’s becoming more common, and how families can prepare before it becomes a crisis. They discuss the growing prevalence of caregiving in America, the emotional and physical toll it can take, and the significant financial strain that often follows. From burnout and guilt to long-term care costs and Medicare misconceptions, Mike and Madison explore both the human and financial sides of this responsibility. Whether you’re already providing care or preparing for the future, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to help you protect both your parents’ wellbeing and your own financial security. Later in the episode, Mike and Madison sit down with Jimmy Rios, founder of Rios Business Advisors and Rios Business Funding. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, Jimmy has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs understand and take control of their business finances. From practical steps for managing debt and improving credit to real-world examples of clients transforming their businesses, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to grow, fund, or eventually sell their business the right way.

Connect with Jimmy Rios

Rios Business Funding website: https://riosbusinessfunding.com/

Rios Business Funding YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiosBusinessFunding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rios-business-advisors/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Riosbusinessfunding/ 

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down a costly estate planning mistake that led one family to pay $1.5 million in unnecessary taxes. Using a recent Wall Street Journal case as an example, they explain how filing errors and missed portability elections can erase major tax benefits for heirs. Tune in to learn how to avoid these common estate tax pitfalls, why filing even when no taxes are due matters, and how proper planning can protect your family’s wealth for generations. Later in the episode, Mike and Maddie sit down with Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, Certified Educational Consultant, and two-time bestselling author. Shellee shares how she guided her own four children, one a Harvard graduate, to graduate debt-free, and how she now helps families around the world navigate the complex world of college admissions and financial aid. Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or about to send off applications, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident college decisions.

Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/taxes/estate-taxes-portability-planning-mistakes-26111632?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAh4ABe7RUwCefArlc4WRH-DaE3FHzfoFogHGCAB4fVO7GDJQZ4eItEw&gaa_ts=68a48807&gaa_sig=taVvcCuHsvFdarXJVp5Ofj9x7e6lcfcWUAJDzPHlrN5Kg2UHNgbvaR2C1_GA22bmORuHGPUOsir_XPyoC_aL0g%3D%3D 

Connect with Shellee Howard

30-minute discovery call with Shellee Collegereadyplan.info 

Empowereducation.world

The College Admissions Plan Simplified by Shellee Howard 

How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money By Shellee Howard 

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Mike and Madison dive into one of the most common financial questions: Should I pay off my mortgage early? They break down the advantages and disadvantages of paying down your mortgage ahead of schedule. From interest savings and peace of mind to opportunity costs and tax considerations, this conversation will help you weigh whether being mortgage-free is the right financial move for you. Later in the episode, Mike and Maddie sit down with Yvonne, Executive Director of The Crossings Animal Society, a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization serving Bucks and Mercer Counties since 2009. Yvonne shares her personal journey into animal advocacy, the inspiring mission behind The Crossings Animal Society, and how programs like Animal Help and Adoption Network, the Boris & Natasha’s Fund, and their Pet Rescue, Surrender & Adoption program are transforming the lives of pets and families alike. Tune in to learn how The Crossings Animal Society is building a community of compassion, and how you can make a difference, too.

Connect with The Crossings Animal Society

Phone number: (215) 321-4673

Email: [email protected]

Website

Facebook

Instagram 

Bluesky

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Mike and Madison unpack Jason Zweig’s Wall Street Journal article, “Colleges Fail This Basic Test.” They explore how some of the nation’s wealthiest universities, with billions in endowments, still find themselves scrambling for cash during downturns. Mike explains why liquidity is essential, even for billion-dollar institutions, and how the same principle applies to individual investors. From the dangers of illiquid alternatives to the timeless importance of balance and discipline, this conversation highlights lessons that can help anyone build a more resilient financial future. 

Later in the episode, Mike and Maddie sit down with Matt Stout, owner of Stout Organics Turf and Plant Care. Matt shares his journey from golf course superintendent to business owner, why organic applications often outperform traditional chemical-heavy methods, and how healthy soil leads to healthier lawns. Whether you’re curious about organic lawn care, entrepreneurship, or simply want to hear an inspiring story about following your passion, this episode has something for you.

WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/the-ivy-league-keeps-failing-this-basic-investing-test-747c8b8c?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAi6q-kexbJigsQZzQvqcBiOYnGNHHyWYL-zVztMQc1RE8-utVqP4Psz&gaa_ts=68af08bf&gaa_sig=6a0g0dzRyJiYaJQfe_XeDeI-anCTil10hsWI6GqPVqKQyeZtV7e9hmEqIbNMvC_ScRks7EZb0cZj4m214JX34Q%3D%3D

Connect with Matt Stout

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 215-534-2765

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewvstout/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Matthew-stout-100083622310192/

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Millennials are entering midlife with more wealth than previous generations at the same age, yet many remain anxious about their financial futures. In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Madison and Mike sit down with Maureen to unpack what’s driving this paradox. They explore how economic challenges shaped millennials’ money habits, what today’s numbers really reveal, and what it all means for financial planning moving forward. Later in the episode, Mike and Maddie sit down with Anne Lester, author of Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want and former Head of Retirement Solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With more than 20 years of experience shaping how millions of Americans approach retirement savings, Anne shares her passion for helping Millennials and Gen Z overcome financial anxiety and take control of their financial futures. We dive into her journey, the common mistakes people make when it comes to saving, and practical strategies to build lasting financial security. Whether you’re just starting your career or planning ahead for retirement, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating the future you want.

Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/millennial-wealth-financial-anxiety-39fd215b?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAiXm2SZFSt_Kuk0sm7ScxaCPj84DWMFhoyJOldFPjlFFyeCWOgHQ6wA&gaa_ts=68a33d0f&gaa_sig=TZh59pLmqdpzXMGF0U_ojtEAafSjO3wSz68a0XWST5uIoI9TYTdJyoOlD0qJ0W29c9feJjTkKxRcu4KUG3WM_w%3D%3D


Anne Lester links
Anne's book: https://annelester.com/your-best-financial-life/
Anne's website: https://annelester.com/speaking/
Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savesmartwanne/

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Madison and Mike break down the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new tax law signed into effect in July.

At 887 pages, this legislation makes several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent while introducing new deductions, exemptions, and planning opportunities for individuals, families, and business owners.

Mike, a financial advisor, CFP® practitioner, and estate planning lawyer, explains what these changes mean in practical terms, from permanent lower tax brackets and expanded estate and gift tax exemptions to new deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loans. They also cover the introduction of the Child Savings Account, updates to 529 education plans, charitable giving incentives, and critical business provisions such as QBI deductions, bonus depreciation, and succession planning strategies.

While some updates are permanent, many incentives expire in 2028, making proactive planning essential. Whether you’re focused on your family’s future, your business, or your legacy, this episode highlights what you need to know, and the steps to consider now.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike explore how our personal financial memories, whether shaped by market crashes, bull runs, or housing booms, can cloud judgment and influence investing decisions. Inspired by Jason Zweig’s Wall Street Journal article, they unpack the dangers of recency bias, the evolving role of cash in portfolios, and the importance of balancing historical perspective with real-time adaptability. Learn how to avoid overreacting to market noise, keep emotions in check, and build a strategy that stands the test of time. Then Mike and Maddie were joined by Joe Dillon, a nationally recognized divorce mediator and founder of Equitable Mediation. Drawing from his personal experience as a child of divorce and nearly two decades of professional expertise, Joe explains how mediation can save couples time, money, and emotional turmoil compared to traditional litigation. He shares real-life examples, common financial pitfalls, and practical tools for navigating complex decisions, especially when children are involved. Whether you’re facing divorce yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a candid look at why a fair, informed, and child-focused approach can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/the-mistake-youre-making-in-todays-stock-marketwithout-even-knowing-it-8549894e

Equitable Mediation website: https://www.equitablemediation.com/

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike break down the upcoming 2025 changes to inherited IRA rules, and why beneficiaries and financial planners alike need to pay close attention. They discuss how the SECURE Act has already reshaped the way IRAs are passed on and what’s coming next as the IRS begins enforcing the 10-year distribution rule more strictly.

Mike explains who the new rules apply to, what beneficiaries need to prepare for, and how to navigate these changes in a way that aligns with your broader financial and estate planning goals. Whether you’ve inherited an IRA, expect to leave one behind, or simply want to stay ahead of retirement law updates, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on what’s at stake and how to plan ahead.