We break down what Trump Accounts are, who actually benefits, and why they function as retirement seeds rather than college funds. We compare them with 529 plans and plain brokerage accounts so you can choose the right tool for your child’s goals.

• How Trump Accounts open via Form 4547 and start July 2026
• Who qualifies for $1,000 Treasury seed money
• Dell Foundation $250 rules and income-based ZIP filter
• Contribution caps, no tax deduction, employer $2,500 limit
• Access rules at 18 and penalties before 59½
• When parents should open one and when to skip
• Better fits for college and flexible goals with 529s and brokerage
• Practical funding paths that balance free money and control

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

We break down what truly drives mortgage rates, why Fed cuts don’t guarantee cheaper mortgages, and how to use timing, credit tiers, and smarter products to your advantage. Mason shares practical pre-approval timelines, non-QM options for self-employed buyers, and real client wins.

• Rates driven by the 10-year Treasury and MBS market
• Fed funds cuts not equal to mortgage rate drops
• Recession risk tied to ultra-low mortgage rates
• Pre-approval timing at four months for most buyers
• Credit tiers reshaped with 780 as top bracket
• Inquiry impact minimal for strong credit, risky for borderline
• Rising third-party costs from regulation and intermediaries
• Non-QM paths including bank statement and DSCR loans
• No-score borrowers qualified with alternative credit lines
• Investor education, rentals, flips, and portfolio strategy
• Contact details for Mason at Churchill Mortgage

Mason Whitehead:
Office Phone: 972-895-4775
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.churchillmortgage.com/loan-officers/mason-whitehead

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

We unpack Roth vs pretax with clear rules of thumb, why Roth is a tax code not an account, and how RMDs can create a tax spike you don’t need. A real case study shows how targeted Roth conversions and a 50-50 balance can flatten lifetime taxes.

• Roth is a tax treatment applied to IRA or 401k
• Difference between workplace plans and individual accounts
• Traditional pretax: deduction now, taxes later
• Roth: taxes now, tax-free withdrawals later
• How to choose using the 32% bracket rule of thumb
• Targeting a 50-50 Roth vs pretax split by retirement
• RMD ages, factors, and penalties explained
• Case study on RMD-driven tax spikes
• Strategies: stop pretax contributions, use Roth conversions, exploit tax windows

Please consult with a professional before acting on any information shared in this podcast pertaining to financial, investment, legal, or tax advice

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

If you couldn’t speak tomorrow, who would decide what happens—to your care, your kids, and your money? We sat down with estate planning attorney Janelle Creme to make sense of wills, trusts, and the documents that actually keep your family out of court and in control. This conversation moves past buzzwords and into practical steps you can take to protect your wishes, avoid probate, and reduce conflict during the hardest moments.

We break down the real difference between a will and a properly funded revocable trust, why a pour-over will still matters, and how to title your home so you preserve homestead benefits while keeping probate at bay. Janelle walks through the essential toolkit: durable financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, advanced directives, HIPAA releases, and guardian nominations for minor children. We also tackle hot-button issues like keeping inheritances separate from community property, using independent or corporate trustees for accountability, and setting terms that protect children from a spouse’s influence or from their own future mistakes.

Beyond the legal mechanics, we talk about values, clarity, and compassion—how a few thoughtful choices today can spare your family confusion tomorrow. You’ll hear simple examples, common pitfalls (like unfunded trusts or outdated wills), and why coordinating with banks and advisors ensures your documents actually work when needed. If you’ve wondered whether a will is “enough,” or how to handle funeral preferences and end-of-life decisions without burdening loved ones, this guide will help you move forward with confidence and calm.

Janelle Creme 
Phone: 469-714-2280
Email: [email protected]
Website: prosperattorney.com

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

New year, new leverage. We’re resetting your money with a simple 2026 playbook that trades vague goals for specific actions you can automate and track. We walk through how to crush consumer debt with clear timelines, build an emergency fund that actually protects your life, and fix the silent gaps hiding in your 401k, Roth, and HSA contributions. It’s a practical blueprint designed for busy people who want results without financial jargon.

 Plus, an annual maintenance sweep to cut bloated home and auto premiums, contest inflated property tax appraisals, rebalance 401k investments, spot lifestyle creep in your budget, and improve your savings yield with conservative options for excess cash. This is a straightforward, no-fluff reset that sets you ahead of the curve: less debt, more liquidity, smarter contributions, and better protection.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

What Are Smart Ways To Pay Off All Your Debts?

Feeling crushed under the weight of debt? You're not alone. The burden of financial obligations keeps countless Americans awake at night, affecting everything from their mental health to their family relationships. But there's a path forward that combines practical wisdom with spiritual guidance.

In this enlightening conversation, Cody Stansell breaks down a systematic approach to eliminating debt while honoring faith-based principles. The journey begins with establishing a proper emergency fund before tackling consumer debt – credit cards, student loans, car payments, and personal loans. Only after these are addressed should you focus on your mortgage, which comes as step six in the financial freedom journey.

The podcast explores two primary debt elimination strategies: the avalanche method (paying highest interest rates first) and the snowball method (tackling smallest balances first). Rather than declaring one superior, Cody emphasizes choosing the approach that resonates with your personal convictions. "Getting into debt wasn't a numbers issue; it was a spending issue," he reminds listeners. The spiritual dimension receives equal attention as Cody references Proverbs 22:7 – "the debtor is slave to the lender" – highlighting how financial freedom aligns with biblical teachings.

For practical application, Cody recommends a specific debt payoff sequence based on his extensive financial advising experience: first credit cards (with their shocking 23.9% average interest rate), then personal loans, followed by auto loans (to avoid being "upside down"), and finally student loans.

 Throughout the episode, the message remains clear: freedom from debt isn't just about mathematical optimization; it's about creating a life where you "owe nobody nothing" and can live with purpose rather than obligation. Ready to break free from financial bondage? This episode provides your roadmap to debt freedom with faith as your foundation.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Death and taxes may be inevitable but understanding exactly how much life insurance you need doesn't have to be complicated. In this eye-opening episode, Senior Wealth Advisor Cody Stansell cuts through the confusion to reveal a refreshingly practical approach to life insurance.

Most people have been sold the idea they need permanent life insurance, but Cody challenges this conventional wisdom with a more strategic perspective: "We want life insurance to be a bridge until you are self-insured." This fundamental shift in thinking transforms how we approach coverage decisions.

Cody walks through the four most common scenarios where life insurance becomes essential. Beyond the obvious case of income earners with dependent families, he explains why stay-at-home parents need coverage despite not earning traditional income. Using personal examples, he illustrates how the passing of his stay-at-home wife would create significant financial pressures through childcare costs and potential income reduction during the grieving period. He also explores scenarios for those supporting aging parents and business owners needing succession planning.

The episode dismantles popular misconceptions, particularly the "insurance for life" approach that permanent policies promote. For the vast majority of people, term life insurance provides appropriate coverage during wealth-building years until their accumulated assets can sustain their family's lifestyle without insurance. For single individuals without dependents, Cody offers the liberating advice that they likely don't need coverage at all – contradicting what commission-based insurance agents typically recommend.

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or reassessing your current coverage, this episode provides the clarity needed to make confident decisions about protecting what matters most. Take control of your family's financial security by understanding exactly how much coverage you need – and for how long.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

Tax Planning 101: Strategies For Today And In The Future?

Minimizing your tax burden requires more than just annual filing strategies—it demands a lifetime perspective on wealth management. In today's riveting discussion, we dive deep into the world of comprehensive tax planning that most financial advisors and CPAs simply don't address.

The concept of "tax windows" could transform your financial future. These are specific years when your income situation deviates significantly from your norm—perhaps due to an unexpected bonus, job change, or temporary income reduction. By identifying these windows, we can implement strategic moves like accelerating charitable donations during high-income years or executing Roth conversions during low-income periods. These tactical decisions can save you thousands over your lifetime.

For our younger listeners in their 30s and 40s, we challenge conventional wisdom about tax deductions. While the immediate gratification of tax breaks feels good, we explore why prioritizing Roth contributions and HSAs might actually be your smartest long-term play. With historically favorable current tax rates and the likelihood of increasing income (and potentially tax rates) in your future, building tax-free retirement assets now could be your most powerful wealth-building strategy.

Retirement brings an entirely new tax planning landscape that requires specialized navigation. Those transition years between stopping work and claiming Social Security create golden opportunities for tax optimization that many retirees miss. Remember—you're only newly retired once, and maximizing those early retirement years can dramatically impact your financial security for decades to come.

Ready to transform your approach to taxes? Visit Stansellwealth.com for a complimentary consultation or call 469-606-2040 to start building a tax strategy that works across your entire lifetime, not just until next April.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

What Does It Mean To Have A Fiduciary Financial Advisor, And Why Is It Important?

Finding the right financial advisor isn't just about credentials—it's about connection, compatibility, and comprehensive expertise that aligns with your unique needs. Cody Stansell, CFP and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stansell Wealth Planning, breaks down the essential questions everyone should consider when selecting a financial planning partner.

The conversation reveals critical red flags that signal potential misalignment, like the uncomfortable "salesman feeling" that permeates some advisor relationships. Cody emphasizes the importance of that initial gut reaction: "If you sit down in a financial planner's office, it's almost like that gut feeling of do we feel like we're in the right place?" True professionals view planning as a relationship, not a transaction, giving clients the time and space needed to make informed decisions without pressure.

Beyond personality fit, Cody explores the fundamental differences between comprehensive planning approaches versus single-focus strategies. He highlights the evolution of financial planning from strictly investment management or insurance-focused models to today's integrated approach that addresses taxes, estate planning, employee benefits, and more. For those navigating complex financial situations, finding an advisor with relevant expertise becomes even more crucial. As Cody notes, "We want a financial planner that goes through several aspects...a comprehensive view on all your money and not just being sold an insurance product."

Whether you're considering a large established firm or a boutique practice like Stansell Wealth Planning, understanding these distinctions empowers you to make choices aligned with your values and financial goals. Smart planning begins with selecting the right advisor—one who views your financial journey through a lens of transparency, integrity, and Christian values that build toward a life well lived.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040

How Much Should I Contribute To My 401(k) Or 403(b)?

Ever wondered if you're putting too much—or too little—into your retirement accounts? This question plagues nearly every working adult, but the answer isn't as straightforward as many financial advisors might suggest.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Cody Stansell reveals a revolutionary perspective on 401k and 403b contributions that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than pushing the "max out your retirement" mantra, he explains why your age fundamentally changes how you should approach retirement savings. For those over 45, he unveils a mathematical tipping point where investment returns actually drive more growth than your contributions—potentially freeing up cash flow for other priorities like long-term care insurance, mortgage payoff, or enjoying life with family.

The discussion demystifies the pre-tax versus Roth contribution decision with a simple "two trees" analogy that clarifies exactly when each option makes sense for your tax situation. For younger savers, Cody provides practical guidance for balancing retirement savings with debt repayment and emergency funds, explaining why capturing your employer match might be sufficient during certain life stages.

What truly distinguishes this episode is how it weaves financial wisdom with faith-based stewardship principles. "The whole goal is not just to accumulate zeros and commas," Cody reminds us, emphasizing that moderation and balance should guide our financial decisions. This perspective transforms retirement planning from a numbers game into a thoughtful exercise in building a life that honors both present needs and future security.

Ready to apply these insights to your own financial journey? Visit Stansellwealth.com for a complimentary consultation or call 469-606-2040 to speak with an advisor who understands both financial wisdom and faith-based values.

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270
Plano, TX 75024
469-606-2040