Savings and Sense

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard break down one of the most important decisions investors face: saving in traditional retirement accounts versus Roth accounts. Using simple examples, they explain the tradeoffs between paying taxes now or later, how future income and tax brackets influence the decision, and why the timing of your savings can dramatically impact long-term results. The conversation also explores contribution limits, retirement planning strategies, and why building the right mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free assets can create more flexibility in retirement.

Logan Gilland and newly minted CFP® professional Katelyn Felker break down one of the most common questions in financial planning: how much life insurance do you need and what type makes the most sense? They explain the differences between term life, whole life, and universal life insurance, discuss when each strategy may be appropriate, and explore the tradeoffs between combining insurance and investing versus keeping them separate. The conversation also highlights how insurance fits into a broader financial plan and why protecting your family starts with understanding the purpose behind the coverage.

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard discuss some of the most common ways people unknowingly miss financial opportunities. They cover the importance of taking full advantage of employer 401(k) matches, using high-yield savings accounts for emergency funds, and regularly reviewing subscriptions and spending habits. The conversation highlights how small financial decisions compound over time and why paying attention to the basics can have a bigger impact than most people realize.

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard break down a difficult week in the markets by discussing earnings from major technology companies, the impact of rising oil prices, and growing concerns about inflation and interest rates. More importantly, they step back from the headlines to focus on the foundational principles of successful investing: proper allocation, diversification, regular rebalancing, and staying invested for the long term. The conversation highlights why market volatility is normal, how investors can avoid emotional decisions, and why a solid financial plan provides the framework for navigating both good and bad markets.

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard break down a challenging week in the markets as semiconductor stocks pull back despite strong earnings, inflation data continues to influence Federal Reserve expectations, and investors weigh the impact of rising interest rates. They also take a deep dive into the new Trump Accounts, discussing who qualifies for the government-funded contribution, how the accounts work, potential tax implications, and whether they make sense as part of a long-term strategy for children and young investors.

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard take a halftime look at 2026, reviewing the biggest themes that have driven markets through the first half of the year. They discuss the ongoing impact of the Iran conflict, the Federal Reserve's evolving approach to interest rates, continued strength in technology and AI-related companies, and the market's reaction to major IPOs like SpaceX. The conversation focuses on separating headlines from data, understanding how economic trends affect investors, and why a strong financial plan matters more than reacting to short-term market movements.

Allie Howard and Andy Durant take a step back from market headlines to talk about what financial planning actually looks like in real life. They share how their perspective has evolved from focusing on investments to understanding the importance of behavior, psychology, and the bigger picture that includes taxes, estate planning, and risk management. The episode highlights why there is no one size fits all answer, how even the smartest people need guidance, and why having someone in your corner can make all the difference when navigating complex financial decisions.

Logan Gilland and Katelyn Felker break down the smartest ways to save for children and how to avoid common mistakes along the way. They walk through the differences between 529 plans, custodial accounts, and flexible brokerage accounts, highlighting the tradeoffs between tax benefits and control. The conversation focuses on building a strategy that fits your family’s goals, teaching financial responsibility, and creating flexibility so savings can support education, life milestones, or future opportunities.