In this episode, hosts Whitney Reagan and Dan Sharkey discuss the importance of planning for the "unexpected"—from sudden household emergencies to major life transitions. Moving beyond the traditional scope of budgeting, they emphasize the necessity of performing an audit of your fixed, mandatory expenses to determine your true liquidity needs.

Learn why maintaining a dedicated, accessible emergency reserve is essential to weathering life's inevitable speed bumps without derailing your long-term financial strategy or adding unnecessary stress to your personal life.

Whitney Reagan sits down with Mariner's Steve Moyer to tackle the complex world of equity compensation—an "alphabet soup" of NQs, RSUs and ISOs that often leaves employees feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, Steve demystifies these diverse award types, offering clear guidance on how to move from simple investing to sophisticated, long-term wealth planning.

Discover the essential steps to take when managing your equity, including how to take proper inventory of your awards, why proactive planning beats reactive decision-making and how to avoid letting the "tax tail wag the dog." Steve also explores the crucial emotional component of equity compensation, offering advice on how to navigate the personal connection you feel to the company you've helped build, while keeping concentration risk in check. Learn when it's time to move beyond standard benefits and turn your equity into a concrete, comprehensive plan that helps you prepare for your family's long-term financial security.

Hosts Whitney Reagan and Daniel Sharkey explore the impossibility of predicting the future and the vital importance of building financial resiliency for the "unexpected."

They discuss why a financial plan should act as a flexible decision-making framework rather than a rigid script, allowing you to navigate life's inevitable speed bumps—from unexpected expenses to major life transitions—without derailing your long-term goals. Learn how intentional asset allocation, modeling "what-if" scenarios and partnering with an advisor can help you better prepare to handle whatever comes next with confidence.

Dan Sharkey from Mariner tackles the age-old question, "Are you ready to start investing?" and provides guidance for those looking to build long-term wealth, regardless of where they are in their career. In this episode, Dan demystifies the investing process, dispelling common myths and emphasizing why time is your greatest asset.

Learn the essential "pre-flight" checklist you need to tackle—including managing high-interest debt and building a liquidity buffer—before you invest your first dollar. Discover practical strategies for navigating your employer's 401(k) plan, utilizing target date funds to simplify asset allocation, and applying an "envelope system" to your budgeting to ensure you're paying yourself first. Dan also explores the crucial distinction between strategic investing and speculative gambling, offering guidance on how to stay disciplined, avoid market-induced panic and lean on an advisor to help turn your financial goals into a concrete, long-term plan.

Whitney Reagan and Dan Sharkey from Mariner sit down to tackle the delicate but essential topic of the "money talk" in relationships, demystifying when and how to approach these conversations to build a stronger partnership. They discuss why establishing transparency—whether you keep your finances separate or fully combined—is a critical step in aligning your goals and reducing the stress that often surrounds joint expenses.

Learn why understanding your partner's unique "money scripts" and financial history can help bridge gaps in communication and prevent future friction. Discover practical strategies for maintaining individual autonomy while working toward a common financial future and explore why having an advisor act as a neutral mediator can turn these potentially awkward conversations into productive steps toward a unified, long-term plan.

Dan Sharkey from Mariner tackles the complex financial reality of buying your first home, moving beyond the thrill of online listings to demystify the path to true homeownership. He discusses why treating a home as a long-term lifestyle commitment—rather than just a simple investment—may help reduce the stress that often accompanies this whirlwind process.

Learn why looking beyond the initial mortgage payment to account for hidden maintenance costs, utility fluctuations and debt-to-income ratios is a critical skill for new homeowners. Discover how working with an advisor can help you model realistic financial goals so you are better prepared for the long haul and move into your first property with greater confidence that you are setting yourself up for a long-term homeownership

Hosts Whitney Reagan and Daniel Sharkey tackle the financial pressures of graduation season, demystifying the path to funding higher education. They discuss why shifting from a "single-bucket" savings mindset to a flexible, multi-asset strategy can alleviate the anxiety often associated with rising educational costs.

Learn why open communication with your children about borrowing is a critical life lesson and discover how working with an advisor can help you model realistic goals, avoid analysis paralysis and confidently fund your child's future—without committing to working until you're 70.

Hosts Whitney Reagan and Daniel Sharkey dive into stretch goals and "once-in-a-lifetime" trips, from a South African safari to a five-star hotel stay. Sharkey explains why one-off extravagant expenses rarely derail a financial plan—unlike heavy, recurring fixed costs—and why these experiences are "inherently attainable."

Learn how working with an advisor can help you repurpose non-valuable expenses, isolate costs in advance, and overcome the psychological "guilt" of spending to create unforgettable core family memories.

In this special episode, host Whitney Reagan interviews Marty Bicknell, founder, CEO, and president of Mariner, to celebrate the firm's 20-year anniversary and reflect on the firm's evolution and future.

They unpack Mariner's origin story, from Marty's early career shift from pre-law and his five years at a traditional firm, to the pivotal moment in 2006 when he took the leap to build a client-first company focused on "positively impacting the lives of many."

In this episode, hosts Whitney Reagan and Dan Sharkey unpack a timely question: how do you know when you're ready for a wealth advisor—and specifically, ready for Mariner?

From navigating complex financial decisions to recognizing gaps in tax planning, investment strategy and overall financial clarity, they explore some real-life triggers that signal it may be time for guidance. They also challenge common misconceptions—like age or investment knowledge being deciding factors—and emphasize the value of a true advisory partnership.