When a parent begins to decline from dementia, families are often forced to make decisions with no perfect answers—only tradeoffs. In this episode, Keith and Doug sit down with experienced physician, Dr. George Elmes, M.D., to talk candidly about helping aging parents with dementia, navigating end-of-life care, and knowing when it’s time for family members to step in.

This conversation goes beyond medical theory and into real-life scenarios families face every day: taking away car keys, recognizing cognitive decline, and deciding when independence must give way to safety. We also explore why dementia is often hidden by those diagnosed, how families miss early warning signs, and why waiting too long can leave everyone reacting instead of planning.

You’ll hear a physician’s perspective on quality of life versus quantity of life, how medical technology can extend life without improving it, and why families must think long-term—not just crisis to crisis. Most importantly, we discuss how to approach these moments with compassion, clarity, and the goal of having no regrets.

This episode is especially relevant for families with substantial assets who want to coordinate medical decisions with thoughtful financial planning—before a crisis forces rushed, emotional choices.

If your family is facing dementia or planning for aging parents, professional guidance matters. We help families align medical realities with financial clarity.

Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.

Planning a wedding is one of the most meaningful (and expensive) decisions a couple will make. Yet many families approach wedding planning without the guidance they need to avoid unnecessary stress, wasted money, and regret. In this episode, Keith and Doug interview wedding planner Elizabeth Owens to break down 10 essential wedding planning do’s and don’ts every couple should consider before the big day.

Drawing from real-world experience with couples, Elizabeth discusses what actually matters versus what simply adds cost without adding value. From guest lists and vendors to timing, food choices, and flow of the day, this conversation helps couples make confident, informed decisions that align with both their values and their finances.

You’ll learn why:

→ Smaller, intentional guest lists often lead to better experiences
→ The right vendors, especially DJs and coordinators, can make or break the day
→ Trends like first looks, private last dances, and late-night snacks are growing in popularity
→ Overspending on décor rarely delivers lasting impact
→ Preparation leads directly to peace on your wedding day

Whether you’re newly engaged or helping a child plan their wedding, this episode offers practical wedding planning advice designed for families who care about long-term financial health, not just one event.

If you want guidance that goes beyond the wedding day and supports your broader financial life, we’d love to help.

🔗 Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com
🔗 Work with Elizabeth at https://www.savethedaysisters.com

When it comes to retirement planning and tax planning, one of the most common questions families ask is: which is best—taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-free accounts? The honest answer is more nuanced than most articles or headlines suggest.

In this episode, Keith and Doug break down how taxable accounts, tax-deferred accounts (like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s), and tax-free accounts (like Roth IRAs) actually work and why the “best” option depends on your income, tax bracket, time horizon, lifestyle goals, and giving intentions. This is not a black-and-white decision. It’s more like solving a Rubik’s Cube, where every move affects another side.

We walk through real-world scenarios, including retirement income planning, required minimum distributions, charitable giving strategies, and how different asset types impact both taxes today and flexibility later. We also discuss why diversifying your tax exposure can create more control and confidence throughout retirement.

If you’re approaching or already in retirement, thinking about legacy planning, or simply want to make smarter decisions with significant assets, this conversation will help you reframe how you evaluate account types and long-term strategy.

Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.

Don’t let the world persuade you.

In an age of constant noise, instant information, and cultural pressure, wisdom has become both rare and invaluable. In this episode, Keith and Doug explore what it means to live wisely in foolish times, drawing practical insight from ancient principles that remain deeply relevant to modern financial and family decisions.

You’ll learn the difference between knowledge and wisdom, how foolish financial patterns quietly erode wealth, and why the people you spend time with matter just as much as the plans you make. For families with significant assets, the stakes are higher. Wise decisions compound—just like foolish ones. This episode is designed to help you slow down, think clearly, and align your personal and financial life with what truly matters.

If you’re looking for a financial partner who prioritizes wisdom over hype and long-term clarity over short-term noise, we’d be honored to help. Learn more about working with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com.

How have you seen God move?

Everybody collects unexplainable stories. In today’s episode, Keith and Doug unpack why these stories matter, how to recognize them, and why documenting them can reshape the way you see your past, your relationships, and even your financial decisions.

You’ll learn:
→ How unexplainable stories come about
→ Why you should collect and share these stories
→ What happens when you look for new stories in your life 

You’ll also hear real stories—from surprise business breakthroughs to improbable meetings to personal moments of rescue—that illustrate how divine providence shows up in the everyday.

If you’re trying to make sense of your own journey, this episode invites you to slow down, observe, and capture the stories that shape your legacy.

↳ Bring more clarity and confidence to your financial life by working with our team at Gimbal Financial: https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

In this special holiday episode, Keith and Doug share over 20 meaningful Thanksgiving conversation starters designed to help your family connect on a deeper level. Whether your gatherings lean peaceful, chaotic, sentimental, or hilarious, this episode gives you tools to do something different and bring more harmony, curiosity, and gratitude to the table.

Drawing from stories that range from childhood traditions to New York City parades to unexpected life lessons, Keith and Doug unpack how simple, intentional questions can shift the tone of your entire holiday. Instead of drifting into politics or tension, you’ll learn how to redirect conversations with kindness, spark meaningful dialogue, and create shared memories that actually last.

For example, here are some questions you can ask:

• Tell me about the Thanksgiving table when you were 12 and last year.
• How far back would the oldest person at the table have known someone?
• What are 2 holiday traditions you enjoyed then and now?
• When should Christmas decorating begin?
• Turkey or ham for Thanksgiving? Why?
• What is one thing your mom taught you? Your dad?
• Have you ever worked 60 hours in a week? Why?
• What’s your hardest job ever?
• What’s the weirdest job a relative has ever done?
• Have you ever eaten at a nice restaurant alone?
• What’s your oldest family tradition?
• What’s a place tied to your childhood that no longer exists?
• What’s a moment from your past that most wouldn’t know?
• Has your family kept a secret/mystery alive?
• If your life was a chapter in a history book, what would you title it?
• Name a forgotten childhood trend you were involved in?
• What’s an outdated rule your parents insisted on?
• Who in the past do you wish you had asked more questions?
• When did you feel you first became ‘you’?
• What story explains more about you than people realize?
• What’s a smell or sound that instantly takes you somewhere else?
• What object from your past will you keep?

This episode is perfect for families looking to cultivate connection—especially those balancing busy lives, financial responsibilities, and multigenerational dynamics. If you want your Thanksgiving to feel more grateful, more human, and more enjoyable, you’re in the right place.

↳ If you’re ready to bring more clarity and confidence to your financial life, work with our team at Gimbal Financial: https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

Relieve unnecessary stress at the end of life.

In this episode of Up Your Average, Keith and Libbi consider the challenges families face when dealing with aging relatives, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's. They discuss tools and strategies to help families navigate medical, financial, and personal responsibilities while maintaining a supportive environment for their loved ones.

You will learn:

→ Why you should document change as your parent’s age

→ How to organize medical, financial, and other documents

→ What to do when tragedy strikes

Want to use our aging well documents?

Reach out to us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

"Everybody dies, but not everybody lives."

What if the dream you’ve been carrying for years—or even decades—is still possible? In this episode, Keith and Doug explore what it really takes to pursue your aspirations at any age, especially when fear, uncertainty, or financial concerns have held you back. Whether your dream is personal, professional, or deeply tied to the legacy you want to leave your family, this conversation will help you see that your best chapters may still be ahead.

You’ll learn:
→ Why most people underestimate the time they have left
→ How fear disguises itself as “logic"
→ Why your financial strategy plays a critical role in unlocking your dreams

We discuss practical steps for overcoming doubt, identifying what truly matters, and aligning your money with the life you actually want—all while maintaining stability for your family.

If you’re building toward a major life shift, considering a new venture, or simply wondering whether it’s “too late,” this episode will show you that anything is possible with intention, clarity, and the right plan.

↳ Ready to take the first step toward your dream?
Start your plan today at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

What drives your financial decisions? 

Beneath every investment, purchase, or plan lies something deeper: your financial worldview. In this episode, Keith from Gimbal Financial reveals how understanding that worldview can transform the way you approach money, purpose, and life itself.

Using the metaphor of a gimbal—a tool that keeps a compass level no matter how turbulent the waters—Keith explains how clarity and stability come from aligning your financial choices with your personal values. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the beliefs shaping your money decisions
• Reframe your financial goals around wisdom and purpose
• Balance wealth-building with fulfillment, freedom, and generosity

This conversation isn’t about market trends or stock tips. It’s about discovering why you make the choices you do and how to make them wiser.

↳ Ready to align your wealth with your worldview?
Work with us at https://www.gimbalfinancial.com

What does it take to achieve the American Dream?

In this inspiring conversation, former Thunderbird pilot and author Matt Modleski joins Keith and Doug to talk about discipline, belief, and the power of surrounding yourself with “dream enablers.” From flying elite Air Force jets to raising his sons for success, Matt shares how preparation, purpose, and mentorship turn dreams into reality.

You’ll learn:
→ How to guide kids who don’t yet know what they want
→ Why preparation beats talent and how it conquers fear
→  The life lessons Matt learned as a Thunderbird pilot
→ How to honor our veterans by living and leading with purpose
→ The mindset shifts that separate high achievers from average ones

Whether you’re raising a family or leading a team, this episode will remind you that making your dream come true starts with belief and disciplined preparation.

↳ Ready to pursue your American Dream with confidence?
Work with our team at Gimbal Financial to create a financial strategy that helps your family live boldly and give back generously: https://www.gimbalfinancial.com